Farina names 20-man squad

Australia coach Frank Farina has named a 20-man squad for next week’s FIFA Confederations Cup qualifiers against the Solomon Islands.

Liverpool winger Harry Kewell and Middlesbrough striker Mark Viduka head a strong contingent of British-based players called up.

The Socceroos boss, who has lost Birmingham City’s Stan Lazaridis through injury, said: “I have selected the best possible side for the matches.

“It is vitally important that we qualify for the Confederations Cup ahead of next year’s World Cup qualifiers.”

The winner of the tie earns a place in next year’s Confederations Cup alongside hosts Germany, World Cup holders Brazil, Argentina, Greece, Tunisia, Mexico and Japan.

The Solomon Islands host the first leg in Honiara on Saturday, October 9 with the return match in Sydney three days later.

Squad: John Aloisi (Osasuna), Marco Bresciano (Parma), Tim Cahill (Everton), Scott Chipperfield (FC Basel), Simon Colosimo (Pahang), Ahmad Elrich (Busan), Brett Emerton (Blackburn), Vince Grella (Parma), Zeljko Kalac (Perugia), Harry Kewell (Liverpool), Craig Moore (Rangers), Kevin Muscat (Millwall), Lucas Neill (Blackburn), Tony Popovic (Crystal Palace), Mark Schwarzer (Middlesbrough), Josip Skoko (Genclerbirligi), Mile Sterjovski (FC Basel), Danny Tiatto (Leicester City), Tony Vidmar (Cardiff), Mark Viduka (Middlesbrough).