Holger Osieck has named his 23-man Australian squad for the upcoming 2014 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifiers against Oman and Thailand.
The Socceroos take on the Omanis in Muscat on November 11 and the Thais in Bangkok four days later with Osieck recalling Mark Schwarzer, Harry Kewell and Brett Emerton whilst Chris Herd and Mitch Nichols have received a call-up - Herd for his potential debut and Nichols returning after playing against Kuwait in 2009.
Fulham's Schwarzer missed the October 11 clash with Oman in Sydney because of injury whilst Melbourne Victory signing Kewell and Sydney FC new boy Emerton were left out as the match coincided with the opening weekend of the A-League season.
Aston Villa midfielder Herd has slotted into Alex McLeish's first team with some improved performances of late whilst Nichols has been outstanding for the Brisbane Roar whilst Everton's Tim Cahill has again been left out as he battles to overcome a foot injury.
The Socceroos are currently at the top of Group D with maximum points from their opening three matches followed by Thailand in second place then Saudi Arabia and Oman.
Australian squad for Oman and Thailand World Cup qualifiers
GoalkeepersNathan Coe (Sonderjysk, DEN) Adam Federici (Reading, ENG) Mark Schwarzer (Fulham, ENG)
DefendersLucas Neill (Al-Jazira, UAE) Sasa Ognenovski (Seongnam Ilhwa, KOR) Matthew Spiranovic (Urawa Reds, JPN) Luke Wilkshire (Dinamo Moscow, RUS) Rhys Williams (Middlesbrough, ENG) Michael Zullo (FC Utrecht, NED)
MidfieldersBrett Emerton (Sydney FC, AUS) Chris Herd (Aston Villa, ENG) Brett Holman (AZ Alkmaar, NED) Mile Jedinak (Crystal Palace, ENG) Neil Kilkenny (Bristol City, ENG) Matt McKay (Rangers, SCO) Mitch Nichols (Brisbane Roar, AUS) Adam Sarota (FC Utrecht, NED) James Troisi (Kayserispor, TUR) Carl Valeri (Sassuolo, ITA)
ForwardsAlex Brosque (Shimizu S-Pulse, JPN) Josh Kennedy (Nagoya Grampus, JPN) Harry Kewell (Melbourne Victory, AUS) Robbie Kruse (Fortuna Dusseldorf, GER)
