Olyroos name strong squad for Iran clash

AAP - The Olyroos' effort to squeeze past Iran and into the final stage of qualifying for the Beijing Olympics was on Friday bolstered by the inclusion of several overseas-based players.

Newly-promoted Birmingham playmaker Neil Kilkenny, and Queens Park Rangers midfielder Nick Ward have flown out from England to link with the team's core of A League talent for the match at Adelaide's Hindmarsh Stadium on Wednesday.
Joining them are Adelaide-bred Newcastle United squad striker James Troisi, and possible debutants Trent McClenehan (Hereford United) and Aaron Downes (Chesterfield).

Suspended trio Adrian Leijer, Ruben Zadkovich and Ben Griffin are missing from the squad, which coach Robert Baan wanted as deep as possible given the importance of the match.

Defeat by the Iranians would go close to condemning the Olyroos to non-participation for the first time since 1984.
Australia have never missed an Olympic football tournament they have attempted to qualify for.
"This is a crucial match for the team, perhaps a little bit of a cup final and certainly a match we cannot afford to lose," Baan said.
"It will also be a very tough match for the team based on our experience in Tehran a few months back when we drew with Iran in our opening game.

"The crowd in Saudi Arabia really lifted the home side in the last match and I'm hoping Adelaide football fans will come to the stadium in large numbers and get behind the Australian team."

The two teams are level in second position behind Saudi Arabia on goal difference with two group matches remaining.
The top two teams at the end of the group phase will progress to the third and final stage of qualifying.

Olyroos Squad: Mark Milligan (capt), Leigh Broxham, Mark Bridge, Nathan Burns, Adam Casey, Adam D'Apuzzo, Bruce Djite, Aaron Downes, Troy Hearfield, Neil Kilkenny, Trent McClenahan, Stuart Musialik, Kristian Sarkies, Nikolai Topor-Stanley, James Troisi, Tando Velaphi, Dario Vidosic, Danny Vukovic, Nick Ward.