Osieck plumps for some Socceroos surprises

Osieck selected a mix of young and experienced European based players.

Chris Herd, 23, is in line for his first Socceroos appearance after his withdrawal from two previous squads due to injury.

Jason Davidson, son of Socceroos great Alan Davidson, receives his first call up after three years in Portugal and the Netherlands. The 21-year-old defender broke into the Heracles Almelo first team, making his starting debut with a 3-1 win over FC Utrecht at the end of the Eredivisie 2011-2012 season.

Defender Ryan McGowan, 22, is also selected for the first time after impressing Osieck at a 2011 training camp in Germany and during the Scottish Premier League for Heart of Midlothian.

McGowan was named as Hearts Young Player of the Year for 2011-2012.

"I've included some new names and I'm interested in seeing how they are doing and how far they can step up into the team," Osieck said.

"Jason made a good impact at his club Heracles in Holland - he was part of the Young Socceroos a couple of years ago, but his performance level is rising and it's a good opportunity for him to join the Socceroos.

"It's also a good signal to send to other young players, that if they work hard then they will get an opportunity.

"I had Ryan in the scouting camp we had in Germany last year and he did a good job. He was still young and a bit inexperienced then, but since he's become a regular starter for Hearts.

"He's doing very well and is a good opportunity for me to see if he ready to be part of this team.''

Also included in the squad are A-League graduates Mitch Langerak, Alex Brosque and Robbie Kruse.

Melbourne Victory talisman Archie Thompson is the only A-League representative while veteran Middle East-based players Mark Bresciano and Sasa Ognenovski are included.

Scott McDonald returns after a lengthy absence from the national team fold and Brett Holman is back after skipping Australia's last two World Cup qualifiers for the birth of his child.

The major absentees are Tim Cahill, Harry Kewell, Josh Kennedy, Matt McKay and Matthew Spiranovic.

"It's very unfortunate for him that he is still without a club and we are waiting for some kind of signing and I hope that will work out pretty quickly," Osieck said of Kewell.

"I still think he has great potential and whenever I have had him in the group, he was a very positive asset."

Despite being without a club, Lucas Neill is set to lead the Socceroos in what will be his 50th match as captain.

"He is also in between clubs but he has been working with teams and is close to re-signing with one of the Middle East teams," Osieck said.

"In his role as captain he is very important to me, he is very important the team."

Cahill was given time to get more comfortable at his new side, Major League Soccer's New York Red Bulls.

"What can I say, it's his decision," Osieck said.

"Even though he was on a two-year contract with Everton, he has opted for a new challenge - North America - a new environment and he thinks it's a good move for him.

"The MLS is becoming stronger and stronger, it has developed tremendously. I can understand a player looking for a new challenge.

"It's not an easy league. He will be forced to show his best and that is very positive for the Socceroos as well."

The Socceroos have played Scotland on four previous occasions, most recently winning 2-0 at Hampden Park in 2000.

Australia will be preparing for the final round of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifiers against Jordan on 11 September (12 September) and Iraq on 16 October (17 October).

Australia squad: Mark Bresciano, Alex Brosque, David Carney, Jason Davidson, Adam Federici, Chris Herd, Brett Holman, Mile Jedinak, Neil Kilkenny, Robbie Kruse, Mitch Langerak, Scott McDonald, Ryan McGowan, Lucas Neill, Sasa Ognenovski, Mark Schwarzer, Archie Thompson, Carl Valeri, Luke Wilkshire, Rhys Williams.