Burns, Juric among Socceroos squad surprises

Nathan Burns

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Burns had been considered a near certainty given his goal-scoring form for Wellington Phoenix in the 2014-15 A-League, while Western Sydney Wanderers' Juric is likely to act as the understudy to first-choice centre-forward Tim Cahill.

Midfielder Antonis has impressed for Sydney FC this season but missed Australia's final pre-tournament friendly in Japan after crashing his car on the way to the airport. That hasn't cost the youngster his place in the tournament though.

Herd's inclusion is somewhat surprising given his lack of playing time for Premier League side Villa. Able to play in midfield and across the backline, the 25-year-old's versatility appears to have counted in his favour.   

Australia's pre-tournament training camp begins in Melbourne on December 27, with the Socceroos playing the opening match of the competition against Kuwait at AAMI Park on January 9.

Goalkeepers : Mathew Ryan, Mitchell Langerak, Eugene Galekovic.

Defenders: Matthew Spiranovic, Ivan Franjic, Chris Herd, Alex Wilkinson, Aziz Behich, Trent Sainsbury, Jason Davidson.

Midfielders : Mark Bresciano, Mile Jedinak, Mark Milligan, Matt McKay, James Troisi, Massimo Luongo, Terry Antonis

Forwards: Tim Cahill, Robbie Kruse, Mathew Leckie, Nathan Burns, Tommy Oar, Tomi Juric

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