Osieck explains new faces

Netherlands-based defender Jason Davidson and Edinburgh local Ryan McGowan headline the fresh faces included in the 20-man Qantas Socceroos squad to face Scotland next week.

Netherlands-based defender Jason Davidson and Edinburgh local Ryan McGowan headline the fresh faces included in the 20-man Qantas Socceroos squad to face Scotland next week.

Davidson, 21, is the son of legendary Qantas Socceroo Alan Davidson and has been plying his trade in the Netherlands' top-flight Eredivisie with Heracles Almelo since December last year.

Formerly of Portuguese clubs Pacos de Ferreira and Sporting Covilha, Davidson made a significant impression at Heracles last season, where he made eight late season league and cup appearances.

With father Alan a 79-time capped Socceroo that was recently recognised as Australia's greatest ever left back, Davidson junior comes from a rich Australian football line.

Jason-s first steps towards emulating his father-s achievements will be taken in Edinburgh, where Qantas Socceroo head coach Holger Osieck and Australian football fans alike will be keen to observe what the Melbourne-born youngster has to offer.

“Jason had made a great impact on his club team in Almelo and he had been part of the Young Socceroos a couple of years ago,” said Osieck.

“Obviously, his performance level is getting up and I think it-s a good opportunity for him to join the group.

“And, of course, it-s a good signal for all the other young boys, what they can do if they keep working hard and if they really try to step up.”

Central defender McGowan, who plays with Edinburgh-based heavyweight Hearts of Midlothian, has been rewarded for his consistency in Scotland's demanding top flight with his first call up to a senior Australian squad.

McGowan experienced his breakthrough season at Tynecastle Stadium last campaign, where he helped Hearts to a commendable fifth placed league finish before netting a goal in the clubs' Scottish Cup Final triumph over local rivals Hibernian.

The 22-year-old was last in green and gold at Under 23 level against Yemen in June 2011, having previously appeared in Egypt for the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup, where he started two matches.

“I had him (McGowan) in our scouting camp last year in Germany, when I had the opportunity to have a look at a number of young talents,” said Osieck.

“He already did a good job there, although he still was pretty young a year ago, a little bit inexperienced.

“In the meantime he has become a regular starter for his home team, Hearts, and he-s doing very well.

“It-s another good opportunity for me to have a look at him and to see whether he is ready for our team.”

Aston Villa midfielder Chris Herd and young goalkeeper Mitchell Langerak of Borussia Dortmund are the only other uncapped players in Osieck's Edinburgh-bound line up.

Herd has been a late withdrawal due to injury from several recent Qantas Socceroo camps, but Osieck of hopeful of finally having the opportunity to see the talented 23-year-old in green and gold.

“He (Herd) was very unfortunate in recent months, I had him on the list for two games and unfortunately he had to drop out due to injury,” said Osieck.

“I hope this time it will work and, again, it-s another young guy who can step up and who can take the opportunity, hopefully this time, it works in his way.”

The Qantas Socceroos are next in action on Wednesday, 15 August, when they take on Scotland in an international friendly at Edinburgh-s Easter Road Stadium. Kick off is at 8pm local time (Kick off is at 5am AEST, Thursday, 16 August).

Australia-s FIFA World Cup qualification journey resumes on Tuesday, 11 September, when the Qantas Socceroos meet the challenge of Jordan in Amman. Kick off is at 7pm local time (Kick off is at 2am AEST, Wednesday, 12 September).

The Qantas Socceroos are next in Australia in 2013, starting with a FIFA World Cup qualifier against Oman at Sydney-s Stadium Australia on Tuesday, 26 March. Kick off is at 7.30pm local time.

The Qantas Socceroos return to Stadium Australia on Tuesday, 18 June to continue their FIFA World Cup qualification journey against Iraq. Kick off is at 7.30pm local time.

Tickets for each of the aforementioned matches at Stadium Australia are on sale now through Ticketek - www.ticketek.com.au or via phone, 132 849.