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Socceroos Announce Squad for Friendlies Amidst Player Allegiance Decisions

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Socceroos Squad Announced for Friendlies Amid Allegiance Changes; Popovic Stands Firm on Selection Principles

The Socceroos have named a 26-player squad for upcoming international friendlies against Cameroon and Curacao. This announcement comes as midfielder Adrian Segecic officially switches his international allegiance to Croatia, prompting coach Tony Popovic to articulate his firm principles on player selection and retention. The squad introduces several uncapped players, while noting key absences due to injury.

The final 26-man squad for the World Cup is scheduled to be finalized after a friendly match against Mexico on May 30 (May 31 AEDT).

Allegiance Shifts: Segecic Departs, Volpato's Decision Pending

Adrian Segecic, 21, a former Sydney FC academy player who currently plays for Portsmouth in the English Championship, has received FIFA approval to switch his international allegiance from Australia to Croatia. Segecic had represented Australia at under-17, under-20, and under-23 levels and received a senior Socceroos call-up without making an appearance. His decision was influenced by a campaign from the Croatian Football Federation, with expectations that he will join their U21 program.

Under FIFA rules, earning a senior cap for Croatia would prevent him from representing Australia in the future.

Coach Tony Popovic respected Segecic's decision, wishing him well, similar to his comments regarding Nectarios Triantis, who committed to Greece last year. Popovic stated it was "probably better" for the decision to be made if Segecic's commitment was to Croatia.

Cristian Volpato, a dual national, has also met with Popovic regarding representing Australia versus Italy. Volpato was not included in the current squad and has not yet formally changed his allegiance. Popovic indicated that the "door remains open" for Volpato if he chooses to play for Australia, emphasizing a professional and respectful approach rather than pressure.

Coach Popovic's Unwavering Principles on Player Commitment

Tony Popovic outlined his direct approach to player management, stating he would not promise game time to young players or yield to pressure regarding international allegiance switches. He indicated he would not "sell" the national shirt or make special appeals to players, describing his approach as "old-school."

Popovic stated he had acted within his principles regarding Segecic's retention. He questioned whether national team call-ups at junior and senior levels sufficiently demonstrated interest in a player. He also reiterated that a player's desire to represent the country should be inherent.

"I would not select a player based on threats of defection, especially if other players were more suited technically, tactically, or physically at that time."

Popovic maintained that Australia provides opportunities for young players to progress, citing past and present squads as evidence.

New Faces and Recalls Bolster Socceroos Ranks

The squad includes three uncapped players:

  • Ante Suto: A 25-year-old striker from Scottish club Hibernian. Popovic stated he had monitored Suto's performance and noted his desire to play for Australia and his goal-scoring instincts. Suto is also eligible for Croatia and has not lived in Australia.
  • Lucas Herrington: An 18-year-old central defender for Colorado Rapids, selected for his current form.
  • Deni Juric: A 28-year-old striker playing in Poland, who provides additional attacking options. He was previously called up but had been injured.

Players recalled to the squad include Jordan Bos, Alessandro Circati, Ajdin Hrustic, Jacob Italiano, Fran Karacic, Awer Mabil (after an 18-month absence), Alex Robertson, and Patrick Yazbek.

Nestory Irankunda, who had previously faced speculation regarding his international future, has earned 11 caps and scored three goals for the Socceroos, becoming Australia's second-youngest men's goal scorer in June 2024.

Key Absences Due to Injury

Several players were not included in the squad due to injury or recovery:

  • Jackson Irvine: Due to a foot injury.
  • Mohamed Toure: Out with a groin injury.
  • Harry Souttar: A prominent defender, was not selected as he continues his recovery from a ruptured Achilles tendon. Popovic prioritized Souttar's ongoing rehabilitation and potential return to U21 games with Leicester City, acknowledging his quality and potential for future inclusion.