Popovic names three uncapped players – but no Volpato – in Socceroos squad

2 hours ago 2

Vince Rugari

Tony Popovic has named three uncapped players – including a Croatian forward with an Australian father – in his squad for the Socceroos’ final friendlies before the World Cup, but there is no call-up for Cristian Volpato.

Popovic’s 26-player squad features a sprinkling of new faces, led by Hibernian’s Ante Suto, former Brisbane Roar teenager Lucas Herrington and Poland-based striker Deni Juric, while Awer Mabil is in the mix for the first time in more than two years.

Hibernian’s Ante Suto is in line to earn his first Socceroos cap.SNS Group via Getty Images

Suto, 25, was born and raised in Croatia but holds an Australian passport through his father, who hails from Melbourne. Herrington, meanwhile, has starred at centre-back for Colorado Rapids since his January transfer to the Major League Soccero club, and Juric – the younger brother of former Socceroos frontman Tomi – has also been named after dropping out of a previous squad due to injury.

Despite recently expressing an interest in representing the Socceroos over Italy, Volpato was not named, and is yet to officially file for a change of international allegiance on FIFA’s official platforms.

The other surprise in the squad is the absence of midfielder Jackson Irvine, who is managing a foot injury this season at German club FC St. Pauli.

Cristian Volpato was recently paid a visit at Sassuolo by Tony Popovic.Getty Images

The Socceroos take on Cameroon in Sydney next Friday night then face Curucao, who have also qualified for the World Cup, in Melbourne the following Tuesday.

MORE TO COME