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Captain Jedinak back for World Cup qualifier

Skipper Mile Jedinak and goalkeeper Mat Ryan will return for the Socceroos’ FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Kyrgyzstan and Bangladesh.

Jedinak and Ryan have not played for the national team since the opening qualifier against Kyrgyzstan in Bishkek in June, missing the team’s qualifying victories over Bangladesh, Tajikistan and Jordan.

“Having Mile and Matty available again is a boost for the next two matches,” coach Ange Postecoglou said.

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“Mile has made his return from injury and as the skipper his presence will be a bonus for us while Mat will be back in full training by the time the window comes along next week.”

Uncapped Perth defender Josh Risdon was also included in the 23-man squad.

“Josh’s selection is a reward for his form with Perth Glory,” Postecoglou said.

“He has been on our radar for a while now, he’s started the season well so we’ll bring him to see how he fits into the environment in a position we have been open in suggesting we need to create more depth.

mat ryan

Mat Ryan missed the Socceroos’ last WCQ due to injury. Photo: Getty

“While the performance and result in Jordan were not what we hoped for we are still in a good position to progress to the next round of qualifiers at the top of the group.

“We have three matches at home and nothing changes with the way we are approaching the next two games.

“We are in a better position now than we were 12 months ago in relation to the standard of competition our players have reached and the amount of game time and performances they are enjoying.”

The three inclusions come at the expense of injured goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic, recent Manchester City signing Luke Brattan and defender Tarek Elrich.

The Socceroos will play Kyrgyzstan in Canberra on November 12 before meeting Bangladesh in Dhaka on November 17.

Socceroos 23-man squad: Nathan Burns, Tim Cahill, Alex Cisak, Jason Daivdson, Adam Federici, Mile Jedinak (capt), Tomi Juric, Mathew Leckie, Massimo Luongo, Ryan McGowan, Matt McKay, James Meredith, Mark Milligan, Aaron Mooy, Tommy Oar, Josh Risdon, Tom Rogic, Mat Ryan, Trent Sainsbury, Matt Spiranovic, James Troisi, Alex Wilkinson, Bailey Wright.

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