Former Cronulla footballer Chris Ikonomidis has been named in a strong 23-man Socceroos squad for Australia’s opening 2018 World Cup qualifier against Kyrgyzstan.
Australia play Kyrgyzstan in Bishkek on June 16.
Socceroos boss Ange Postecoglou’s squad includes no uncapped players and 19 members of the AFC Asian Cup winning team.
Postecoglou said the group would be the core of the squad that will take Australia to the next World Cup.
The squad will arrive in Dubai for a week-long training camp before travelling to Bishkek to take on the 153rd ranked nation in the opening match of the first stage of qualification.
Ikonomidis, who plays his football with Italian club Lazio, made his debut for Australia against Macedonia as a substitute in March.
The 20-year-old attacking midfielder is part of the strong Australian squad looking to qualify for its fourth consecutive World Cup.
Socceroos squad for 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifier v Kyrgyzstan
Aziz Behich, Oliver Bozanic, Nathan Burns, Tim Cahill, Jason Davidson, Tarek Elrich, Ivan Franjic, Eugene Galekovic, Chris Ikonomidis, Mile Jedinak, Tomi Juric, Mitchell Langerak (gk), Mathew Leckie, Massimo Luongo, Matt McKay, Mark Milligan, Tommy Oar, Mat Ryan (gk), Trent Sainsbury, Matthew Spiranovic, James Troisi, Alex Wilkinson, Bailey Wright
Kyrgyzstan v Australia
Dolen Omurzakov Stadium, Bishkek
Tuesday 16 June 2015
9pm kick off (1am AEST)
