Bresciano recalled to Socceroos

The veteran midfielder hasn't featured in a Socceroos squad since the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, but his career-best form for the resurgent United Arab Emirates club - eight goals in 11 starts this season - has led to his inclusion in a strong squad for the 2014 World Cup qualifier against the Saudis at AAMI Park on Wednesday 29 February.

Joining Bresciano are fellow experienced campaigners Mark Schwarzer and captain Lucas Neill, while Uzbekistan-based David Carney makes a return to the national team after persistent injuries and an uncertain club future led to an extended Socceroos hiatus.

In a squad that blends youth and experience, Central Coast goalkeeper Matt Ryan and Brisbane Roar midfielder Erik Paartalu were rewarded for their stellar A-League campaigns with debut call-ups, while A-League marquee stars Harry Kewell and Brett Emerton were also selected.

A notable omission was Tim Cahill, who has been seeing some recent game time with Everton in the Premier League.

Osieck said he is looking forward to runnig his eye over the new names in his squad during the dead-rubber match.

“This match is as important as any match we play to further build on what we have achieved so far,” he said.

“Each match we play is a chance for players to prove themselves and their position in the squad.

“The players included from the A-League will get a closer look throughout the camp and I will make up my mind if I play them from our sessions.”

With second place in Group D still up for grabs, FIFA has ruled that both matches in will kick-off simultaneously at 8.30pm AEDT.

The Socceroos are top of the group with maximum points from their opening five matches followed by Saudi Arabia in second place, then Oman and Thailand.

Socceroos squad to play Saudi Arabia at AAMI park on 29 February: Mark BRESCIANO (Al Nasr - UAE), Alex BROSQUE (Shimizu S-Pulse - Japan), David CARNEY (Bunyodkor - Uzbekistan), Nick CARLE (Sydney FC), Brett EMERTON (Sydney FC), Harry KEWELL (Melbourne Victory), Michael MARRONE (Melbourne Heart), Mark MILLIGAN (Melbourne Victory), Lucas NEILL (Al Jazira - UAE), Jade NORTH (Consadole Sapporo - Japan), Sasa OOGNENOVSKI (Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma - Korea Republic), Erik PAARTALU (Brisbane Roar), Mat RYAN (Central Coast Mariners), Adam SAROTA (FC Utrecht), Mark SCHWARZER (Fulham - England), Matthew SPIRANOVIC (Urawa Red Diamonds - Japan), Michael THWAITE (Gol Coast United), Archie THOMPSON (Melbourne Victory), James TROISI (Kayserispor - Turkey)