Mark Bresciano has been drafted into the Socceroos squad for the friendly internationals against Belgium and Saudi Arabia after injury ruled out Sydney FC midfielder Terry Antonis.

Mark Bresciano has been drafted into the Socceroos squad for the friendly internationals against Belgium and Saudi Arabia after injury ruled out Sydney FC midfielder Terry Antonis.

Antonis suffered a hamstring strain in Sydney FC’s 4-2 win over Newcastle on Wednesday night.

Bresciano will join the squad after Socceroos Head Coach Ange Postecoglou initially rested the veteran to give an opportunity for several fringe players to impress ahead of the AFC Asian Cup.

“Terry Antonis has pulled up sore with a hamstring after Wednesday night’s game and after consultation with the Sydney FC medical staff it has been decided he will not make the long flight to Europe for the matches,” Postecoglou said.

“It is a shame for Terry because we were looking forward to getting him into the Socceroos camp and giving him an opportunity. Mark Bresciano will come into the squad, which certainly adds quality and experience for what will be two tough matches.”

The Socceroos face World No. 5 Belgium in Liege on 4 September before a clash with Saudi Arabia in London on 8 September.

Both matches will be broadcast LIVE and exclusive on FOX SPORTS.