Teenage defender Lucas Herrington has emerged as a World Cup bolter after being one of three uncapped players named in the Socceroos squad for this month’s FIFA Series games against Cameroon and Curacao.
Joining 18-year-old Herrington – who in January joined Major League Soccer club Colorado Rapids from Brisbane Roar – in hoping to secure their first caps are strikers Ante Suto and Deni Juric.
Croatia-born forward Suto, who plays his club football in Scotland for Hibernian, has an Australian passport, while Poland-based Juric was injured during a Socceroos camp in November.
Socceroos coach Tony Popovic, himself a former centre-back for the national team, has been impressed with the form of Herrington.
“He’s done very well,” Popovic said.
“He’s played four matches, he’s in a strong league, playing regularly and doing extremely well.
“It’s an opportunity to have a look at him. He’s certainly one for the future, but there’s an eye on him that potentially he could be in the World Cup squad.
“I don’t want to put too much pressure on him. I just want him to come and enjoy being selected for Socceroos. Let him just enjoy the moment, and if gets some minutes, go out there, be proud and just play your game.
“We’ve seen a lot of players at 17-18,get all the hype and play at a World Cup, and 10 years later, we’re still talking about their potential, so we have to be careful … (but) on his performances, he deserves to be here, regardless of age.”
The 26-player squad also includes Spain-based winger Awer Mabil, whose most recent Socceroos camp was in September 2024.
“These are our last matches before our World Cup pre-camp (in May), and we have considered a variety of factors in selecting this squad,” Popovic said.
“For many this camp is another opportunity to represent the Socceroos. However, we have also included new faces, as this is our final chance to see players first-hand before our World Cup camp.
“Representing our country is always an honour for both the players and the staff. We want to
put on strong performances.
“While every game matters, these matches are crucial – they serve as a farewell to our fans and an opportunity for them to see the team one last time before we head to the United States.”
The squad also contains A-League players Aziz Behich (Melbourne City), Patrick Beach (Melbourne City), Nishan Velupillay (Melbourne Victory) and Paul Okon‐Engstler (Sydney FC).
Experienced midfielder Jackson Irvine wasn’t selected as he continues his return from a foot injury for his German club St. Pauli.
“We just decided to keep him in Europe to make sure he can keep getting stronger, and hopefully stay on the park and stay fit and healthy,” Popovic said of Irvine.
Injuries have sidelined attackers Mohamed Toure, Kusini Yengi and Nick D’Agostino, as well as long-term absentee Harry Souttar.
The Socceroos meet Cameroon in Sydney next Friday night, and Curacao in Melbourne on March 31.
Socceroos squad: Patrick Beach, Aziz Behich, Jordan Bos, Martin Boyle, Cameron Burgess, Alessandro Circati, Milos Degenek, Jason Geria, Lucas Herrington, Ajdin Hrustic, Nestory
Irankunda, Jacob Italiano, Paul Izzo, Deni Juric, Fran Karacic, Awer Mabil, Connor Metcalfe, Riley McGree, Aiden O’Neill, Paul Okon‐Engstler, Alexander Robertson, Mat Ryan, Ante Suto, Kai Trewin, Nishan Velupillay, Patrick Yazbek.
Originally published as Three uncapped players named in Socceroos squad for FIFA Series matches
