Socceroos boss manager Graham Arnold has named Martin Boyle in his Australia squad– despite the Covid outbreak at Hibernian.
Boyle has been named in the 24-man squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Saudi Arabia in Sydney next Thursday and China in the UAE five days later.
The 28-year-old winger is one of four Hibernian players told to self-isolate due to a total of 15 players at the Leith side testing positive for the virus.
The Easter Road club were forced to postpone last weekend’s clash at Ross County, Wednesday’s rearranged match in Dingwall and today’s trip to Livingston due to a shortage of players.
Hibs chief executive Ben Kensell admitted on Wednesday that talks were ongoing with the relevant authorities regarding whether Boyle, who has been double vaccinated, would be allowed to travel for the international games.
Australia head coach Arnold said: “(Boyle) is one of the issues at the moment.
"The FA are dealing with that, with the Scottish Premiership and the Scottish government and the Scottish PFA.
“He was considered a close contact but he's obviously double vaccinated. He's been tested numerous times and we're confident he will be here."
As expected, Celtic midfielder Tom Rogic has been left out due to the hamstring injury he picked up in the recent 3-1 victory at Easter Road.
Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou is hoping the playmaker will be available for the November 20 Premier Sports Cup semi-final against St Johnstone in the first game back after the international break.
On Rogic, Arnold added: “Tom Rogic, Aaron Mooy and Adam Taggart were unavailable for selection this window due to injury or quarantine, however we have developed good depth in the Socceroos over the past few years and the squad that has been selected is one that we have full belief in to perform strongly for the Australian public.”
