Squad for Kuwait

Australia's final squad for the Asian Cup qualifying match against Kuwait has been announced, solely comprising players from the A-League.

Adelaide's Travis Dodd, Queensland's Matt McKay and Sydney's Iain Fyfe are the flyers, with Fyfe gaining selection over recent pre-World Cup trainee Adrian Leijer. Dodd was one of the best wide midfielders in the competition last year, while McKay had a solid season and spent some time on loan in the K-League.

On paper, Australia looks lightest in midfield, where Steve Corica is likely to anchor a central unit featuring youngsters Kristian Sarkies and Stuart Musialik. Arnold may line up with a rear guard of four, as he did in the successful second-half against Bahrain, or, considering the home venue, opt for a more attacking lineup with wingbacks on either side of three central defenders. The former will put a lot of emphasis on the wing play of David Carney, Alex Brosque and perhaps Dodd, while the latter orientation featuring the likes of Alvin Ceccoli, Mark Milligan or Jade North on the flanks would aim to take pressure off the core midfielders. In either case, both Kevin Muscat and Michael Valkanis should start, quite an intimidating pairing.

Up front, the Socceroos suprisingly look quite strong. Archie Thompson and Joel Griffiths provide a finishing threat under pace, with Sasho Petrovski able to handle a lone striker role if called upon.

Clint Bolton will start between the posts, with long-term national team prospect Danny Vukovic backing up.

Unlucky to miss out are the injured Spase Dilevski, Tom Pondeljak, Richard Johnson and Ruben Zadkovich. Also unfortunate is Nick Carle, whose silky skills and possession oriented approach to the game are out of favour with national team coaches at the moment. Paul Okon declared himself unavailable for the match, presumably a decision indicating his desire to retire from international football. New Zealand Knights first-choice goalkeeper Michael Turnbull may also count himself a touch unlucky to miss out.