Selection snub for Olyroos stars

The three overage players are defender Jade North, wide-man David Carney and Melbourne Victory striker Archie Thompson. Nine A-League players have been selected with defender Mark Milligan and winger James Troisi both currently without a club.

Genclerbirligi-bound forward Djite has not made the cut depite being a regular squad member with the Socceroos under Pim Verbeek while AEK Athens signing Burns has missed selection, despite many good judged rating him the country's most promising young attacker.

Olyroos squad: Mark Bridge (Sydney FC), David Carney (Sheffield United, England), Billy Celeski (Melbourne Victory), Adam Federici (GK, Reading, England), Neil Kilkenny (Leeds United, England), Adrian Leijer (Fulham Athletic, England), Trent McClenahan (Hereford United, England), Mark Milligan (uncontracted), Stuart Musialik (Sydney FC), Nikita Rukavytsya (Perth Glory), Kristian Sarkies (Adelaide United), Matthew Spiranovic (FC Nurnberg, Germany), Nikolai Topor-Stanley (Perth Glory), James Troisi (uncontracted), Tando Velaphi (GK, Perth Glory), Ruben Zadkovich (Derby County, England), Jade North (Newcastle Jets), Archie Thompson (Melbourne Victory).

"It was a difficult job selecting the team,” Arnold said. “I had a look not only at current form of the players but their form right through the qualification campaign.”

“The three overage players will bring both attacking and strong defence to the team."

Troisi is the youngest member of the squad at 19.

“I’m excited and really looking forward to being an Olympian,” Troisi said. “We’ve got a good squad and it’s going to be a great experience.”

On the other side of the scale, Newcastle Jets skipper North can't wait for his chance in Beijing after also representing his country in Athens four years ago.

“It is a real honour to be picked to go to Beijing,” he said.

“I can’t wait to start training with them and get over there. I really hope to go in and lead by example for the younger players.”