Brisbane Roar quartet Matt McKay, Michael Zullo, Tommy Oar and Luke DeVere have been called up to the 21-man squad for Australia’s AFC Asian Cup 2011 qualifier against Indonesia at Suncorp Stadium on March 3.
Luke DeVere has been selected for his first senior squad following a string of outstanding performances at the heart of the Brisbane defence in the closing weeks of the season.
However, the 20-year-old is no stranger to international level football, having captained the Qantas Young Socceroos and taken part in last year-s under-20 World Cup in Egypt.
Tommy Oar-s selection follows his success in securing the inaugural Football Federation Australia NAB Young Footballer of the Year award in Sydney on Monday and caps a break-out season for the youngster.
The speedy left-winger was selected in the Socceroos last Asian Cup squad which secured a 2-2 draw against Kuwait in Kuwait City in January, but did not make the final match-day squad.
Michael Zullo returns to the international scene following a horror run of early season injuries which put paid to building on the two appearances he made for the national team at the start of 2009.
Some solid 90 minute performances at the unfamiliar position of left-back towards the tail-end of the Hyundai A-League 2009/10 season have allowed the zippy left-sided player to prove both his fitness and his versatility to national team coach Pim Verbeek.
Having been an unused substitute in Kuwait City in January, Matt McKay will be keen to go one better and take the field at his home ground.
The hard-working midfielder will be keen to take the field to help secure Australia-s qualification to next year-s Asian Cup to be held in Qatar in January.
Brisbane chief executive Peter McLennan said he was delighted the club-s young talent was being recognised with national selection.
“We-ve always been excited by the young talent coming through the club and this underlines why,” McLennan said.
“To have four young, talented players selected in Pim Verbeek-s squad is a massive achievement for the boys and the club.
“Selection for the match against Indonesia is fantastic reward for these players who have worked hard throughout the season and proved to be amongst the best in the Hyundai A-League.”
The Qantas Socceroos drew 0-0 with Indonesia the last time they clashed in the opening match of the AFC Asian Qualifiers in Jakarta in January last year.
The Qantas Socceroos are currently placed in second position of the Group B points table behind Kuwait on the number of goals scored, and will need a draw or a win against Indonesia to qualify for the AFC Asian Cup 2011 which will be held in Qatar next January. In the other group B match, Oman will need a win if they hope to qualify for the AFC Asian Cup 2011 when they host Kuwait in Muscat on Wednesday 3 March
