Squad for Asian Cup Qualifier

After much speculation, eight A-League players have been selected for the Australian squad to face Bahrain in the country's historic first Asian Cup qualifying match.

Simon Colosimo, Nick Carle, Ante Milicic, Ross Aloisi, Tom Pondeljak, Clint Bolton, Iain Fyfe, Mark Milligan and Sasho Petrovski all missed out, destroying any realistic hopes they might attend the World Cup. Ten overseas-based players were picked, with several others missing out due to non-release from their clubs. Few big names are in the team, with Tony Vidmar and Josip Skoko the most experienced players picked. Skoko is almost certain to captain the side.

Here's who Graham Arnold and Johan Neesken's believe are the eight players in the local competition most worthy of representing the national team in Bahrain (Hiddink calls them the "strongest contenders from the Hyundai A-League"):

Defenders Michael Beauchamp (Central Coast), Alvin Ceccoli (Sydney), Spase Dilevski (Queensland), Jade North (Newcastle) and Michael Valkanis (Adelaide). Midfielders David Carney (Sydney) and Nick Ward (Perth). Winger Alex Brosque (Queensland).

It's a bunch dominated by defenders, which is interesting in the context of selection headaches closer to the World Cup. Dilevski is probably the surprise selection, with his ability to cover the length of either flank obviously highly valued by the coaching staff. Alvin Ceccoli has well deserved his call and may duel with Thwaite for spot on the left. Since only five midfielders and three forwards were selected in the squad, Carney and Brosque are very likely to play, with Ward a strong possibility.

Among other selections, Brett Holman gets another chance to show off his fiery talent, with Guus Hiddink no doubt closely monitoring his progress in the Dutch second division. Michael Petkovic has earned a reprieve after his less than spectacular final performance for the Socceroos, and given his experience he may well push Ante Covic for the opportunity to start in goals. Petkovic's selection tells us that John Filan, Clint Bolton and Brad Jones have only very slim chances of making the World Cup squad.

Thankfully, Scott McDonald has finally received the nod. We can breathe again.

Despite much hooplah from the Daily Telegraph, tall German-based forward Joshua Kennedy was not selected.

Have Arnie and Johan got it right? Can this squad defeat a near full strength Bahrain team? Are any of these eight bolters for World Cup selection?