With another November friendly in the pipeline and his first Caltex Socceroos squad confirmed, the Graham Arnold era is in full swing.
Arnold today announced an exciting blend of uncapped talent and familiar faces to take part in September's training camp in Antalya.
READ: The bolters in Arnold's first Caltex Socceroos squad
READ: How to get tickets to Caltex Socceroos v Lebanon
It is a combination that the Caltex Socceroos boss will look to build on in preparation for the AFC Asian Cup in January.
Two November friendly matches against Korea Republic and Lebanon will also be essential in gathering momentum for Australia’s title defence.
It’s an exciting time for the Caltex Socceroos overall, and here’s how the story of yesterday’s announcements developed on social media.
Exciting new faces for Australia
Of all the uncapped players selected in Arnold’s 31-man squad for Antalya, teenage striking talent John Iredale may have stood out as the biggest wildcard.
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Once a prolific scorer for Sydney FC’s youth side, Iredale is now at Dutch side Heerenveen and Arnold anticipates he'll take the opportunity with both hands.
Iredale isn't the only Netherlands-based talent who has been picked up by Arnold.
He'll be joined by another uncapped youngster in Melbourne City midfielder Denis Genreau, who is currently on loan at PEC Zwolle.
READ: Arnold selects fresh faces in first Caltex Socceroos squad
While Iredale and Genreau are undoubtedly the squad's most junior, there's been no shortage of other emerging talents who have been called up.
Principle among these is Barnsley midfielder Kenneth Dougall, who has been an inspiration in League One since his signing from Sparta Rotterdam.
Two former Adelaide United players in Awer Mabil and Ben Garuccio are also among the new players looking to press their claim. Garuccio has been in sensational nick for Heart of Midlothian, while Mabil notched his debut goal for FC Midtjylland on the weekend and has been pressing his case for regular first team football.
An ideal test in November
Although September's training camp will take precedence, Arnold's 31-man squad have a great chance to press their claim when the Caltex Socceroos play Korea Republic and Lebanon in November.
It's a clash that should prove ideal preparation for the Asian Cup in January. The Cedars have not lost a game in nearly two years and five months and are constantly improving.
Not only will it prove to be a great test on the pitch, but has the potential to draw great numbers in Sydney.
