Thwaite Named In Squad For New Zealand Clash

Football Federation Australia today named a strong squad ahead of the Powerade Series match against New Zealand to be played at Craven Cottage in London on June 9, with Romanian-based defender Michael Thwaite receiving his first call up to the national team.

Football Federation Australia today named a strong squad ahead of the Powerade Series match against New Zealand to be played at Craven Cottage in London on June 9.   The match, to be played at the home ground of Fulham Football Club, will be the final game for Australia as they prepare for the FIFA Confederations Cup commencing when the Socceroos play hosts Germany, in Frankfurt on June 15.   National Coach Frank Farina's squad features six players that played in this season's English Premier League including Tim Cahill, Lucas Neill, Brett Emerton, Tony Popovic, Mark Schwarzer and the return from injury of Mark Viduka (pictured above right).   "Mark has worked very hard to get himself fit," said Farina of the Middlesbrough striker who has played only 12 minutes of football since Boxing Day 2004.   "He is a vital part of our team and so if he is fit then I'll definitely select him.  Our medical staff have been monitoring him and he has made very good progress."    Michael Thwaite has earned his first selection to the Socceroos squad after a solid season with National Bucuresti in Romania. The 22-year old, who played for Marconi Stallions, was a member of the Qantas Young Socceroos and also played a role in the Qantas under 23s in the Olympic Games qualifying matches.    "I spoke with the National Bucuresti coach last week and he told me that Michael has been playing well," added Farina.   "He's a natural successor for the left back position down the track.  He played there with under 20s and can play anywhere across the back.  It's a good opportunity to give him some experience."   With the Confederations Cup just around the corner where Farina will take three goalkeepers, there is also a return for goalkeeper Michael Petkovic who last played for Australia in 2001.     "Michael has always been in the mix," said Farina.   "He has had a great season in Turkey and the only reason he hasn't been in recent squads is because we usually go in with only two keepers."    The team also features three players that will take part in the Hyundai A-League with Perth Glory's Simon Colosimo in the squad alongside Melbourne Victory's Kevin Muscat and Archie Thompson.   Farina was unable to call on Stan Lazaridis and Harry Kewell due to injury while Scott McDonald who was in line for his first call-up to the national squad also made himself unavailable due to a back complaint.   Others not selected include Jason Culina and Marco Bresciano who have wedding commitments.   David Zdrilic will be with Sydney FC in Tahiti and John Aloisi will be excused due his club making the final of Spain's Copa Del Ray to be played on June 11.  Those four players and others will come into contention for the Confederations Cup squad which will be named on June 7.   Tickets can be purchased via the internet by logging on at www.seetickets.com, www.footballaustralia.com.au or www.fulhamfc.com, via telephone by calling See Tickets on +44 (0) 870 264 3333 or in person at Fulham Football Club-s Ticket Office on Stevenage Road or the Club Shop situated on Fulham Road. Prices start from £15 for adults and £8 for children plus booking fees.     Football International Australia v New Zealand Powerade Series Match Thursday 9 June 2005  Craven Cottage, London   Socceroos SQUAD   Tim Cahill (Everton, England), Scott Chipperfield (Basel, Switzerland), Simon Colosimo (Perth Glory, Australia), Ahmad Elrich (Busan I'Cons, Korea), Brett Emerton (Blackburn Rovers, England), Vince Grella (Parma, Italy), Zeljko Kalac (Perugia, Italy), Jon McKain (National Bucuresti, Romania), Ljubo Milicevic (FC Thun, Switzerland), Craig Moore (uncontracted), Kevin Muscat (Melbourne Victory, Australia), Lucas Neill (Blackburn Rovers, England), Michael Petkovic (Trabzonspor, Turkey), Tony Popovic (Crystal Palace, England), Mark Schwarzer (Middlesbrough, England), Josip Skoko (Genclerbirligi, Turkey), Mile Sterjovski (Basel, Switzerland), Archie Thompson (Melbourne Victory, Australia), Michael Thwaite (National Bucuresti, Romania), Tony Vidmar (Cardiff City, Wales), Mark Viduka (Middlesbrough, England), Luke Wilkshire (Bristol City, England)   Ticketing details -   Category 1 (Stevenage Road & Riverside Stands) £25 + £2.50 booking fee - Adults £18 + £1.50 booking fee - Concessions £12 + £1.00 booking fee - Juniors Category 2 (Hammersmith & Putney Ends)

£15 + £1.50 booking fee - Adults £12 + £1.00 booking fee - Concessions £8 + £1.00 booking fee - Juniors

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