Celtic playmaker Tom Rogic has been left out by Australia for their World Cup qualifiers so he can concentrate on Celtic's Champions League quest.
The Wizard of Oz started just 10 league games last season and was often reduced to a bit-part figure but is aiming to put his injury woes behind him.
Rogic would have passed the 50-caps barrier if he had played in at least three of Australia's four World Cup qualifiers in June which are all being played in Kuwait, against the hosts, Chinese Tapei, Nepal and Jordan.
But manager Graham Arnold has opted to leave him out of a 31-man squad because Rogic wants to get fit for the new season with Celtic who look set to appoint Eddie Howe.
Arnold said: "Tom Rogic has a minor ankle injury to deal with and the only time he can get properly fit is now.
"He's hoping to use the close season to prepare for Celtic's European games. It won't be held against him in future."
Hibs beaten Scottish Cup Final duo Martin Boyle and Jackson Irvine are both in the squad for Australia's first competitive match since November 2019 which will see them play four matches in 12 days in Kuwait, after a training camp in the UAE.
