Kalik among headliners for Young Socceroos tour

Australia U-20 coach Paul Okon named a youthful and experimental squad of 23 for a series of international matches in New Zealand next month.

Anthony Kalik has made a number of appearances for Central Coast Mariners this season (AAP) Source: SNPA

Having missed out on qualifying for the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand, Okon wants these games against quality opposition that are World Cup-bound to commence preparations for the AFC U-19 Championship 2016 Qualifiers, that will be held between 28 September and 6 October 2015.

"This is an ideal opportunity for us to get a head start on our preparations for the AFC U-19 Championship Qualifiers and the next U20 World Cup," Okon said.

"The majority of the squad that we have selected are born in 1997 compared to our opposition who are born in 1995 to compete at the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup."

Young Socceroos squad is:

Name	Club, Country
Daniel ALESSI	Western Sydney Wanderers FC, Australia
Daniel ARZANI	FFA Centre of Excellence, Australia
George BLACKWOOD	Sydney FC, Australia
Jesse DALEY	Brisbane Roar FC, Australia
Shayne D'CUNHA	Western Sydney Wanderers FC, Australia
Daniel DE SILVA	Perth Glory, Australia
Thomas DENG	Melbourne Victory, Australia
Lucas DERRICK	Melbourne Victory, Australia
Alusine FOFANAH	Western Sydney Wanderers FC, Australia
Perry FOTAKOPOULOS	FFA Centre of Excellence, Australia
Tom GLOVER (gk)	Tottenham Hotspur, England
Thomas HEWARD-BELLE (gk)	Western Sydney Wanderers FC, Australia
Jordan HOLMES  (gk)	AFC Bournemouth, England
Lachlan HUGHES	Sutherland Sharks, Australia
Anthony KALIK	Central Coast Mariners, Australia
Steve KUZMANOVSKI	Western Sydney Wanderers FC, Australia
Jordan LAMPARD	Brisbane Roar FC, , Australia
Charles LOKOLI NGOY	Sutherland Sharks, Australia
Benjamin LYVIDIKOS	Brisbane Roar FC, , Australia
Liam McGING	Sydney United 58, Australia
Liam ROSE	Central Coast Mariners, Australia
Riley WOODCOCK	Perth Glory, Australia
Liam YOULLEY	Western Sydney Wanderers FC, Australia

International Friendly Series Fixture Schedule for Young Socceroos

Sunday 3 May - New Zealand v Australia at Mount Smart Stadium. Kick off 5pm AEST

Thursday 7 May - Qatar v Australia at Mount Smart Stadium. Kick off 2pm AEST

Sunday 10 May - Panama v Australia at Waikato Stadium. Kick off 11am AEST

Wednesday 13 May - Ghana v Australia at Waikato Stadium. Kick off 2pm AEST

"It’s important for us to play as many international matches against quality opposition for us to improve and give us a head start for qualifying for the next U20 World Cup," Okon added.

"This is an ideal chance for this group of players to impress and show that they are capable of performing at international standard.

"A number of players from the Hyundai A-League were not considered for this tour due to the upcoming Finals Series, but they will definitely be considered for future matches."