The makeup of the Foxtel A-League All Stars squad continues to take shape, with seven more players today being announced from around the country and across the Tasman.
The makeup of the Foxtel A-League All Stars squad continues to take shape, with seven more players today being announced from around the country and across the Tasman, ahead of their highly anticipated match against Manchester United.
Josh Rose and Michael McGlinchey (Central Coast Mariners), David Williams (Melbourne Heart), Bill Celeski (Melbourne Victory), Nigel Boogaard (Adelaide United), Josh Risdon (Perth Glory) and Paul Ifill (Wellington Phoenix) were all named as part of the inaugural side that will play the reigning English Premier League Champions at ANZ Stadium, Sydney on 20 July.
The addition of the seven players will add some attacking flair and defensive starch to Ange Postecoglou-s side, with the final Foxtel A-League All Stars squad set to assemble on Friday for a week-long camp ahead of the sold-out clash.
On speaking of their selection Mariners duo Rose and McGlinchey revealed they were childhood fans of Manchester United and were thrilled they would get the chance to line-up against the Red Devils.
“I watch these players play on telly week in, week out, it-s just going to be a great experience to come up against these guys and to test ourselves,” said Rose.
“I am obviously very proud to be selected in the team. It-s a massive honour. It-s just an added bonus that it-s against Manchester United, the team that I-ve supported so I am looking forward to it,” said McGlinchey.
Nigel Boogaard, whilst a little surprised to get the call-up said it was a testament to how far the Hyundai A-League has come that they were able to attract a side of the pedigree of Manchester United to Australia. He was also looking forward to the experience of being in camp with the rest of the side.
"I'm sure Ange will put us through our paces and demand what he wants out of us and play the style of football he wants.
“In a short amount of time with players coming from all different teams it's going to be a challenge - if anyone's up to it I'm sure it's him and the group of boys he's brought in are up for the challenge as well,” he said.
Melbourne Victory midfielder Billy Celeski admitted that taking on Manchester United with the Foztel A-League All Stars and then Liverpool the following week with Victory was unbelievable.
"It's a bonus for me - two massive games - and I'm really pinching myself to be honest. To be playing in this first one (All Stars) and then Liverpool at the MCG, which will be a sell-out too, I'm really looking forward to both these games.
"You dream of these sorts of occasions and opportunities."
The Foxtel A-League All Stars will give their fans a chance to see them go through their paces in an open training session on Sunday 14 July at Sydney Olympic Park Warm Up Arena from 9.30am. To attend the session you will need to register your interest here.
The Foxtel A-League All Stars will debut against Manchester United at ANZ Stadium, Sydney on 20 July with the match to be broadcast live and exclusive on the Seven Network nationally.