Brandon O’Neill’s sterling domestic from this season has been recognised with a first international call-up into the Socceroos squad for their friendly against South Korea next month.
The Sydney FC midfielder, who lifted the A-League trophy after scoring in Sunday’s penalty shootout win over Perth Glory, has been one of the champions’ standout performers this season.
The 25-year-old is one of several new faces in a unfamiliar squad for the one-off game in Busan on 7 June after coach Graham Arnold opted to rest most of his regular contingent given their hectic schedule over the past two years.
Those players will be allowed a full break from international duty before the Socceroos get their 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign up and running later this year.
Arnold will also get to run the rule over O’Neill’s club-mate Andrew Redmayne, who wins a first call-up days after his starring role in the grand final shootout, and Rhyan Grant, who retains his place after breaking into the squad last year.
Melbourne Victory’s Lawrence Thomas has been included, while 20-year-old defender Harry Souttar, who plays with Championship side Stoke City, England-based winger Ryan Williams and German-based striker Brandon Borrello have also been given a chance to earn their first Socceroos caps.
“We have seen how arduous the previous World Cup path was for our squad and it is imperative that we spend this valuable time together to have a close look and some of our next generation,” Arnold said.
“We have 11 players in this squad who have all had excellent seasons in the domestic competition and my message to those playing in the A-League is that if you are playing regularly and consistently for your club, you will come into consideration for the next phase of World Cup qualifiers.
“This international window also gives me the chance to spend an extended time with some of our more experienced players who have recently been missing from international football, but have been playing well for their respective clubs like Matthew Spiranovic, Rhys Williams, Adam Taggart, Bailey Wright, Josh Brillante and Brad Smith,” he said.
Arnold said it was important the players involved in the Asian Cup earlier this year, last year’s World Cup and the Confederations Cup in 2017 had a chance to recharge their batteries with an extended break.
“The last couple of years has been tough on many of our senior players with little rest in between seasons,” Arnold said. “I know what those guys are capable of and I believe it is important they start their new campaigns with fresh bodies and minds. They will all be considered again for our first round of qualifiers in September.
The inclusion of Rhys and Ryan Williams is the first time two brothers have been named in a Socceroos squad since Adam and Joel Griffiths in May 2008.
Australia squad: Mitch Langerak, Andrew Redmayne, Lawrence Thomas; Thomas Deng, Rhyan Grant, Matthew Jurman, Brad Smith, Harry Souttar, Matthew Spiranovic, Rhys Williams, Bailey Wright; Mustafa Amini, Terry Antonis, Josh Brillante, Jimmy Jeggo, Brandon O’Neill, Ryan Williams; Brandon Borrello, Craig Goodwin, Chris Ikonomidis, Awer Mabil, Dimitri Petratos, Adam Taggart.
