Australia

Mile Jedinak returns to Australia’s squad for Syria play-off

Captain Mile Jedinak has been recalled by head coach Ange Postecoglou for Australia’s 2018 AFC World Cup playoff against Syria next month.

Coach Ange Postecoglou on Tuesday named a provisional 30-man squad for the two-legged playoff to be played in Malaysia and Sydney.

Jedinak returns to the squad after missing Confederations Cup in June and the recent qualifiers against Japan and Thailand due to a niggling groin injury.

Meanwhile, Nikita Rukavytsya, who has not played international football since 2014, has been also recalled to the Socceroos’ squad.

Australia finished third in the Group B of Asian third qualifying round despite losing only once in 10 games. Postecoglou ‘s side ended up just behind group winners Japan and runners-up Saudi Arabia on goal difference.