Head Coach Ange Postecoglou has made two changes to the Socceroos squad to face Kyrgyzstan in the opening 2018 World Cup Qualifier with Massimo Luongo and Trent Sainsbury ruled out with minor injuries.

Sainsbury (hamstring) and Luongo (ankle) have been ruled out of the match with uncapped players Daniel de Silva and Croatia-based defender Tomislav Mrcela called into the squad.

Mrcela has been selected following consistent good form for NK Lokomotiva Zagreb in the Croatian first division. The Perth-born central defender left Australia as an 11-year-old but has been on Postecoglou’s radar for the last two years.

De Silva has been drafted into the Socceroos squad after catching Postecoglou’s eye in recent Young Socceroos’ matches on the back of some strong performances for Perth Glory in the Hyundai A-League.

“It is a shame to lose Massimo and Trent but it gives an opportunity for two young players who we have been watching for a while in Tomislav and Daniel,” Postecoglou said.

“Daniel is a prodigious talent who has been progressing well and after watching him play for the Young Socceroos against the likes of Brazil and Mexico he has earned a chance with the Socceroos.

"Tomislav has put together two strong seasons in Croatia and he is a big strong central defender we think can add something to the squad.”

Both players will join their Socceroo team mates in Dubai for a training camp starting on 8 June ahead of the clash with Kyrgyzstan at the Dolen Omurzakov Stadium in Bishkek on 16 June.

The Australia v Kyrgyzstan match will be broadcast exclusively LIVE on FOX SPORTS 4 (channel 505) and on a one hour delay on SBS.

Socceroos squad for 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifier v Kyrgyzstan

Name Club, Country A International Caps (Goals) Aziz Behich Bursaspor, Turkey 10 (2) Oliver Bozanic FC Luzern, Switzerland 7 (0) Nathan Burns Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand 12 (0) Tim Cahill Shanghai Greenland Shenhua F.C., China 82 (39) Jason Davidson West Bromwich Albion F.C., England 18 (1) Daniel de Silva Perth Glory, Australia - Tarek Elrich Adelaide United, Australia 1 (0) Ivan Franjic Unattached 19 (0) Eugene Galekovic Adelaide United, Australia 8 (0) Chris Ikonomidis S. S. Lazio, Italy 1 (0) Mile Jedinak Crystal Palace FC, England 58 (8) Tomi Juric Western Sydney Wanderers FC, Australia 12 (2) Mitchell Langerak (gk) B.V. Borussia 09 Dortmund, Germany 6 (0) Mathew Leckie FC Ingolstadt 04, Germany 24 (1) Matt McKay Brisbane Roar, Australia 55 (2) Mark Milligan Melbourne Victory FC, Australia 39 (3) Tomislav Mrcela NK Lokomotiva Zagreb, Croatia - Tommy Oar FC Utrecht, Netherlands 22 (1) Mat Ryan (gk) Club Brugge KV, Belgium 20 (0) Matthew Spiranovic Western Sydney Wanderers FC, Australia 26 (0) James Troisi S.V. Zulte Waregem, Belgium 23 (4) Alex Wilkinson Jeonbuk Hyundai FC, Korea Republic 14 (0) Bailey Wright Preston North End FC, England 3 (1)

Socceroo Match Details

Kyrgyzstan v Australia

Dolen Omurzakov Stadium, Bishkek

Tuesday 16 June 2015

9pm kick off (1am AEST)