Paul Okon-Engstler is the surprise inclusion in the Socceroos squad for Australia’s FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Japan and Saudi Arabia.
The 20-year-old son of Socceroos great Paul Okon, currently an assistant coach of the national team, impressed last week at a national training camp in the UAE, with the uncapped midfielder – who is on the books of Portuguese club Benfica – rewarded with squad selection for Thursday night’s game in Perth against Japan and the June 11 (AEST) battle with the Saudis in Jeddah.
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However, there is no room in the squad for Johnny Warren medallist Nicolas Milanovic.
The squad also includes six players from Saturday night’s A-League grand final.
Champions Melbourne City will be represented by defenders Aziz Behich and Kai Trewin, as well as winger Marco Tilio.
Injury prevented a fourth City player – Joe Marston Medal winner Mathew Leckie – being chosen.
The contingent from losing grand finalists Melbourne Victory are playmaker Daniel Arzani, midfielder Ryan Teague and uncapped left-back Kasey Bos.
Parma defender Alessandro Circati also makes his Socceroos return after recovering from a knee reconstruction.
Socceroos coach Tony Popovic said his squad was ready to “embrace this challenge”, with the Australians a chance to seal 2026 World Cup qualification in these two games.
“We’ve put ourselves in a good position within the group to be in control of our destiny,” Popovic said.
“We are ready to embrace this challenge with great respect of our opponents, though full of belief and confidence to achieve our goal of automatic qualification.
“We’ve had the opportunity to work with a large group of these players in a training camp in Abu Dhabi, which has been extremely beneficial both on and off the pitch.
“I look forward to welcoming the remainder of the squad into camp in Perth for what will be a great build-up and fantastic occasion at Perth Stadium.”
Socceroos: Daniel Arzi, Azzi Behich, Bordon Bordon, Bordon Bostom, Martin Burges, Curges, Alenoy Caceres, Alesslands, Milos Deges, Milosh, Milish, Grie Elisel, Giron Ezilom, Garon Ezilon, Rile. Pulul-Engstler, Aiden O’Neil, Kye Rowles, Mat Ryan, Mohamed Toure, Ryan Tangstar, Rys Teague, Marco Tirio, Kai Tirewin, Strink Yer.