Ange Postecoglou has made two changes to the Socceroos squad to face Kyrgyzstan

Ange Postecoglou has made two changes to the Socceroos squad to face Kyrgyzstan in the opening 2018 World Cup Qualifier with Massimo Luongo and Trent Sainsbury ruled out with minor injuries. Sainsbury (hamstring) and Luongo (ankle) have been ruled out of the match with uncapped players Daniel de Silva and Croatia-based defender Tomislav Mrcela called into the squad. Mrcela has been selected following consistent good form for NK Lokomotiva Zagreb in the Croatian first division. The Perth-born central defender left Australia as an 11-year-old but has been on Postecoglou’s radar for the last two years. De Silva has been drafted into the Socceroos squad after catching Postecoglou’s eye in recent Young Socceroos’ matches on the back of some strong performances for Perth Glory in the Hyundai A-League.

“It is a shame to lose Massimo and Trent but it gives an opportunity for two young players who we have been watching for a while in Tomislav and Daniel,” Postecoglou said. “Daniel is a prodigious talent who has been progressing well and after watching him play for the Young Socceroos against the likes of Brazil and Mexico he has earned a chance with the Socceroos. "Tomislav has put together two strong seasons in Croatia and he is a big strong central defender we think can add something to the squad.” Both players will join their Socceroo team mates in Dubai for a training camp starting on 8 June ahead of the clash with Kyrgyzstan at the Dolen Omurzakov Stadium in Bishkek on 16 June.