Farina Names Squad For Two-match Against Turkey

Socceroos coach Frank Farina today named the Australian team to play Turkey, including four players from the recently completed NSL season, and said it was a major opportunity for players to secure a more regular place in the national team.

Socceroos coach Frank Farina today named the Australian team to play against Turkey and said it was a a major opportunity for players to secure a more regular place in the national team.   “It-s an opportunity for these players to put their hands up and I expect them to do that,” said Farina.   “Opportunities like this don-t come along too often so I-m issuing them a challenge to perform well and show what they can do at international level.”   Farina said the challenge of facing Turkey, semi finalists from the last world cup, would enable him to see how these players perform against a team ranked in the top ten in the world.   “The two matches against Turkey will be an enormous test for us. Turkey are one of the best nations in world soccer and this will certainly show where we are at on the world stage,” said Farina.   Farina was delighted to be able to include Australian based players Simon Colosimo (pictured above at back), Ahmad Elrich and Jade North while Ante Milicic (pictured above at front) who starred for Parramatta in the NSL this year and is now playing in Malaysia was also named.   “Those four players had outstanding seasons in the NSL and deserve the chance to be a part of this squad. It-s a great opportunity to show that players coming through the national league are certainly in consideration when we select the Socceroos,” added Farina.   The Socceroos play Turkey at Aussie Stadium on Friday 21 May and at Telstra Dome in Melbourne on Monday 24 May.   AUSTRALIAN SOCCEROOS SQUAD FOR MATCHES AGAINST TURKEY   Marco Bresciano (Parma, Italy) Scott Chipperfield (FC Basel, Switzerland) Simon Colosimo (Parramatta Power, Australia) Ahmad Elrich (Parramatta Power, Australia) Brett Emerton (Blackburn Rovers, England) Vince Grella (Empoli, Italy) Zeljko Kalac (Perugia, Italy) Patrick Kisnorbo (Heart of Midlothian, Scotland) Steve Laybutt (Excelsior Mouscron, Belgium) Stan Lazaridis (Birmingham City, England) Adrian Madaschi (Partick Thistle, Scotland) Ante Milicic (Pahang, Malaysia) Jade North (Perth Glory, Australia) Mark Schwarzer (Middlesbrough, England) Josip Skoko (Genclerbirligi, Turkey) Mile Sterjovski (Lille, France) Danny Tiatto (Manchester City, England) Tony Vidmar (Cardiff City, Wales) Max Vieri (Napoli, Italy) David Zdrilic (Aberdeen, Scotland)