Cahill, Mile in Oz team for play-off

Goalscoring talisman Tim Cahill and Aston Villa’s Mile Jedinak headlined Australia’s squad named Tuesday for next month’s make-or-break two-legged World Cup play-off against Honduras.

Coach Ange Postecoglou has slimmed down his line-up from 30 to a final 25 players as the Socceroos look to make their fourth consecutive World Cup.

They face home-andaway clashes against the fourth-placed team from the CONCACAF federation for a spot at next year’s tournament in Russia.

The opening tie is in Honduras on November 10 with the return leg in Sydney five days later.

The experienced Jedinak leads the side after successfully returning from a groin injury for his club Aston Villa last weekend, having not played internationally since June.

Cahill, 37, who scored twice as Australia beat Syria to reach the intercontinental play-off, was also included, while Norway-based defender Alex Gersbach earned a recall.

Striker Mathew Leckie and midfielder Mark Milligan are suspended for the first leg, but bolster the side for the return tie.

“It has been pleasing to see so many of our players performing strongly for their clubs domestically and abroad, and I believe that puts us in good stead for our upcoming play-off matches. With two games in five days and extensive travel between the fixtures, every member of our squad will play an important role this November,” said Postecoglou. —