Some of the big names of Australian and Malaysian football will be missing when the teams face off in an 'A' international friendly in Canberra on Friday.
Australia goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer and midfielder Tim Cahill have both been ruled out of the match through injury, joining former English Premier League stars Harry Kewell and Brett Emerton on the sidelines.
Schwarzer injured his back during warm-up before Fulham's weekend encounter against Queens Park Rangers while Cahill, who plays for Everton, is struggling with an ankle problem suffered against Manchester City last week.
Schwarzer injured his back during warm-up before Fulham's weekend encounter against Queens Park Rangers while Cahill, who plays for Everton, is struggling with an ankle problem suffered against Manchester City last week.
Both will miss the next two matches -- Australia against Malaysia on Friday and Oman in a World Cup qualifier in Sydney on Tuesday.
Kewell, a former Liverpool striker and Emerton, who played seven seasons for Blackburn Rovers, were dropped by coach Holger Osieck for the two matches.
Nathan Coe, who plays for Sonderjysk Elitesport in Denmark, comes into the Australian squad as back-up for Reading keeper Adam Federici, who will take Schwarzer's starting spot.
Nathan Coe, who plays for Sonderjysk Elitesport in Denmark, comes into the Australian squad as back-up for Reading keeper Adam Federici, who will take Schwarzer's starting spot.
Brett Holman, who plays for AZ Alkmaar in the Dutch League and Japan's Nagoya Grampus Eight striker Josh Kennedy will pair up in attack in Cahill's absence.
National coach K. Rajagobal has also taken a brave stand by dropping a few regulars from his squad.
Among those left out from the initial training squad are national captain Safiq Rahim, Amirulhadi Zainal, Ahmad Fakri Saarani, Sharbini Allawee Ramli, Rizal Fahmi Rosid, Shakir Shaari, S. Chanturu, Abdul Hadi Yahya, Ashaari Shamsudin and Ismail Faruqi Ashaari.
Rajagobal hopes his new-look squad will not be intimidated by the formidable Australian side.
"I want my boys to put up a brave performance as a good result will boost their confidence.
Many have asked me why I dropped the regulars ... well it could be temporary as I want to look at more options," said Rajagopal.
"I want to see how my players react against a top class team. They need to play above themselves to match Australia in all departments.
"Those not in the team this time have proved their worth in previous international matches. I want to look at other players as my goal is to strengthen the team ahead of next year's AFF Cup."
Centreback Norhafiz Misbah Zamani and goalkeeper Farizal Marlias are among the players making their return to the national squad while the uncapped players are K. Rueban, Joseph Kallang Tie and Wan Zaharulnizam Wan Zakaria.
Malaysia are desperate to bounce back with a respectable performance in Canberra after bowing out to Singapore in the second round of the World Cup Qualifiers.
Rajagobal and his squad of 22 players left for Canberra yesterday.
"I want to see how my players react against a top class team. They need to play above themselves to match Australia in all departments.
"Those not in the team this time have proved their worth in previous international matches. I want to look at other players as my goal is to strengthen the team ahead of next year's AFF Cup."
Centreback Norhafiz Misbah Zamani and goalkeeper Farizal Marlias are among the players making their return to the national squad while the uncapped players are K. Rueban, Joseph Kallang Tie and Wan Zaharulnizam Wan Zakaria.
Malaysia are desperate to bounce back with a respectable performance in Canberra after bowing out to Singapore in the second round of the World Cup Qualifiers.
Rajagobal and his squad of 22 players left for Canberra yesterday.
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