Farina calls up Premiership stars

Australia coach Frank Farina has named a host of Premiership stars in his provisional squad for next month’s Confederations Cup qualifiers against the Solomon Islands.

Middlesbrough striker Mark Viduka and Tim Cahill of Everton – who both scored last weekend – are included alongside Brett Emerton (Blackburn), Harry Kewell (Liverpool), Stan Lazaridis (Birmingham), Lucas Neill (Blackburn), Tony Popovic (Crystal Palace) and Mark Schwarzer (Middlesbrough).

Everton defender Eddy Bosnar is also in the 25-man squad as is Rangers centre-half Craig Moore, who was transfer-listed as a result of his decision to represent his country at the Olympics.

Socceroos boss Farina said: “It’s a completely full strength squad, these are hugely important matches for us.”

The first leg is in the Solomons on October 9 with the return meeting three days later in Sydney.