Coast four to line up in series with China

EXPERIENCED Matildas strikers Kyah Simon and Michelle Heyman have earned international call-ups alongside a Gold Coast quartet ahead of next week’s twomatch series against China.

Coach Alen Stajcic has named a 21-player squad, with all bar two players – Caitlin Foord and Elise Kellond-Knight – playing W-League.

There are five changes from the squad that beat Brazil twice in September, both wins coming in front of some bumper crowds.

Simon, Heyman, fellow attacker Larissa Crummer, uncapped goalkeeper Eliza Campbell and defender Amy Harrison have been added.

Dropping out are Caitlin Cooper, Casey Dumont, Emily Gielnik, Georgia YeomanDale and Gema Simon.

Stajcic said he was trying to build as much depth as possible in the national team ranks before next year’s Women’s Asian Cup in Jordan.

The two clashes against China – on Wednesday at AAMI Park, then on Saturday at GMHBA Stadium in Geelong – will be Australia’s 10th and 11th matches of the year.

Gold Coast’s Mackenzie Arnold, Tameka Butt, Hayley Raso and Kellond-Knight won places in the squad.