Hearts will have FOUR players in the Australia squad for a double-header later this month.
The Socceroos are marking their World Cup homecoming with two friendly clashes against Ecuador. The first match will take place in Sydney on March 24 with a second encounter four days later in Melbourne on March 28.
Graham Arnold's squad for the 'Welcome Home' Series includes 20-players who represented Australia at the World Cup including the Jambos' Down Under stars. Kye Rowles, Cammy Devlin, Nathaniel Atkinson and Garang Kuol will all be on the plane later this month and get the chance to get themselves further international experience. It was a tournament to remember in Qatar with the Socceroos reaching the knockout stages before defeat to Lionel Messi and Argentina - who went on to lift the trophy.
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Speaking about his selection, Arnold told the official Socceroos website: “The upcoming series against Ecuador will feature no less than 16 players who took to the field for Australia at the World Cup in Qatar, and a further five members of the 26-player squad, where everyone is excited to get back home and celebrate with Australian football fans.
“We saw the scenes back home in Australia during the World Cup and it would be wonderful to recreate that buzz and excitement during this upcoming series, where football fans can thank the players for their efforts and together, we can reminisce on a special moment in Australian sporting history.”
He continued: “While these two matches against Ecuador are an occasion for the players and fans to celebrate the achievements of the team in Qatar, we have also commenced preparations for the next FIFA World Cup cycle, which includes having a blank piece of paper mentality when it comes to player selection, where the twenty-six named for this window will get the first chance to press their claim for future honours."
Former Rangers and Hibs star Jason Cummings has also been selected but Easter Road favourite Martin Boyle misses out due to his long-term injury.
In-form Celtic midfielder Aaron Mooy will also be part of the travelling SPFL party alongside Keanu Baccus from St Mirren and Aziz Behich of Dundee United.
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