Alex Gersbach has been named in Australia’s squad for a friendly against Korea Republic in Brisbane next Saturday.
The Sutherland Sharks product has been chosen as part of Graham Arnold’s 23-man squad, with Gersbach a chance of adding to his five international caps.
Arnold has chosen the 21-year-old left back in the last two Socceroos camps in Turkey and the UAE, having helped bring Gersbach through to the first team as Sydney FC boss.
Gersbach spoke recently about his confidence returning after being frozen out by Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk for the World Cup in Russia.
Arnold will name a second 23-player squad for another friendly against Lebanon in Sydney on November 20. The squad will include Tim Cahill who will make his 108th and final appearance for Australia in a farewell match.
Arnold has already used 39 different players since September.
The A-League winning coach said it was important to include as many players as possible to ensure a deep talent pool for Australia’s Asian Cup defence next year.
“We made some great progress in Turkey in September, as well as in the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait last month,” Arnold said.
“However, this window will be exceptionally important for us as we have only had 15 days to work together as a team on the training pitch. In training, and in our friendlies against Korea Republic and Lebanon, we will be looking to introduce more players to the Socceroos system and reward a number of locally based players for their performances in the Hyundai A-League and FFA Cup.
“With limited opportunities and matches to prepare for next year’s AFC Asian Cup it is important that we make the most of every day that we have together, and by calling in additional train-on players from Hyundai A-League clubs this will ensure that more players are exposed to our style and standards as we edge towards the tournament.
“Several players who have been in and around the squad over the past 12 months, such as Andrew Nabbout and James Jeggo, will also be reintroduced to the group as we continue to add depth to the national team player pool.”
A-League players Thomas Deng, Craig Goodwin, Rhyan Grant and Dimi Petratos have been rewarded for their good starts to the season, with the quartet named as train-on players.