Qantas Under 23 get overseas boost for Iran

The Qantas Under 23s have received a boost with the inclusion of five English-based players for next Wednesday’s crucial encounter against Iran in Adelaide, with the match likely to decide which team progress to the third and final stage of Beijing 2008 qualifying.

The Qantas Under 23s have received a boost with the inclusion of five English-based players for next Wednesday-s crucial encounter against Iran in Adelaide, with the match likely to decide which team progress to the third and final stage of Beijing 2008 qualifying.

Midfielder Neil Kilkenny whose Birmingham City club were last week promoted to the English Premier League, rejoins the squad after an impressive debut in March against Saudi Arabia. The 21-year-old who has already made one appearance for the Socceroos is joined by fellow midfielder and 2005/06 Hyundai A-League Rising Star award winner Nick Ward currently with Queens Park Rangers.

Two more players uncapped players at this level join the squad in defensive duo Trent McClenahan of Hereford United and Aaron Downes of Chesterfield. Both players were regulars for the Qantas Young Socceroos at the 2005 FIFA World Youth Cup.

The fifth member of the overseas-based quintet joining the squad is the Adelaide born-and bred James Troisi. The striker is with English Premier League club Newcastle United and is set to make his home debut after a first start for the Qantas Under 23s in their last match in Saudi Arabia.

The Adelaide connection is rounded out by Adelaide United-s Bruce Djite and Nathan Burns, plus new signing from Melbourne Victory Kristian Sarkies.

Missing from the Qantas Under 23s squad are a number of players including suspended trio Adrian Leijer, Ruben Zadkovich and Ben Griffin.

“This is a crucial match for the team, perhaps a little bit of a cup final and certainly a match we cannot afford to lose,” said Qantas Under 23s coach Rob Baan.

“It will also be a very tough match for the team based on our experience in Tehran a few months back when we drew with Iran in our opening game.

“The crowd in Saudi Arabia really lifted the home side in the last match and I-m hoping Adelaide football fans will come to the stadium in large numbers and get behind the Australian team.”

Australia and Iran will meet in Wednesday-s penultimate group match at Hindmarsh Stadium on May 16 with the two teams level in second position. Saudi Arabia are on top of Group D with nine points, ahead of Iran (goal difference 3-1) and Australia on five points (4-3), with Jordan on two points.

The top two teams will progress to the third and final stage of qualifying, where the remaining 12 nations will be split into three groups.

The third stage will be held from August 22 - November 21, with only the three group winners representing Asia at the Beijing Olympic Games.

The 19-man squad for the match against Iran May 16 is:

Leigh Broxham (Melbourne Victory), Mark Bridge (Newcastle Jets), Nathan Burns (Adelaide United), Adam Casey (Sydney FC), Adam D'Apuzzo (Newcastle Jets), Bruce Djite (Adelaide United), Aaron Downes (Chesterfield, England), Troy Hearfield (Newcastle Jets), Neil Kilkenny (Birmingham City, England), Trent McClenahan (Hereford United, England), Mark Milligan (Sydney FC), Stuart Musialik (Newcastle United), Kristian Sarkies (Adelaide United), Nikolai Topor-Stanley (Sydney FC), James Troisi (Newcastle United, England), Tando Velaphi (Perth Glory), Dario Vidosic (Queensland Roar), Danny Vukovic (Central Coast Mariners), Nick Ward (Brighton & Hove Albion, England, loan from QPR, England),

The 22-strong squad will also see Adelaide-based duo Robert Cornthwaite and Peter Eleftherakis join the squad for training purposes.

Group D consists of Australia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Jordan and will conclude on June 6.

The top two teams will progress to the third and final stage of qualifying, where 12 nations will be split into three groups.

The third stage will be held from August 22 - November 21, with only the three group winners representing Asia at the Beijing Olympic Games.

Ticket Details:-

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Fixtures:- Round 2 - Match Day 1 - (Away) Wednesday 28 February 2007 Iran v Australia 0-0 Tehran

Round 2 - Match Day 2 - (Home) Wednesday 14 March 2007 Australia v Jordan 1-1 Hindmarsh Stadium, Adelaide

Round 2 - Match Day 3 - (Home) Wednesday 28 March 2007 Australia v Saudi Arabia 2-0 Hindmarsh Stadium, Adelaide

Round 2 - Match Day 4 - (Away) Wednesday 18 April 2007 Saudi Arabia v Australia 2-1 Dammam City

Round 2 - Match Day 5 - (Home) Wednesday 16 May 2007 Australia v Iran Hindmarsh Stadium, Adelaide

Round 2 - Match Day 6 - (Away) Wednesday 6 June 2007 Jordan v Australia Amman

Click on the following link for more information on the Qantas Under 23s, including player profiles: http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/default.aspx?s=aus_mensu23s