Socceroos squad naming delayed

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29 August 2012-AAP

Playing it safe... Osieck's squad should be named shortly (Getty)

Australia national team coach Holger Osieck delayed naming his squad while checks are made on the fitness of players in action in mid-week European action.

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Osieck was due to name his squad at midday on Wednesday (AEST) for the international against Lebanon on 6 September (7 September AEST) in Beirut and the World Cup qualifier against Jordan on 11 September (12 September AEST) in Amman.

However a Football Federation Australia spokesperson said the announcement had been postponed because several players had been involved in matches overnight and they needed to be sure of their availability.

The squad is expected to be announced on Thursday with Osieck to recall the likes of Matt McKay from the side that was beaten 3-1 by Scotland earlier this month.

Clubless Harry Kewell appears set to miss out again while Tim Cahill may return with the MLS season on a break early next month.

Injured Nagoya Grampus striker Joshua Kennedy is unavailable but defender Luke DeVere gets a chance to stake his claim for a Socceroos spot, with his K-League club Gyoengnam confirming his selection via Twitter.