Experienced midfielder Massimo Luongo lured out of international retirement

English Premier League midfielder Massimo Luongo has been coaxed out of international retirement by new Socceroos coach Tony Popovic, who has also recalled Daniel Arzani to the national squad for the FIFA World Cup qualifiers against China and Japan.

Popovic, who last month replaced Graham Arnold as Socceroos coach, on Friday announced a 26-man squad, with the inclusion of 32-year-old Luongo the biggest talking point after the Ipswich Town player last year announced his retirement from international football.

Other changes from the squad selected for last month’s matches against Bahrain and Indonesia include the inclusion of Melbourne Victory trio Arzani, Jason Geria and Nishan Velupillay, fit-again players Jordan Bos, Riley McGree and Apostolos Stamatelopoulos, playmaker Ajdin Hrustic and Norway-based Gianni Stensness.

“We’re at the beginning of an exciting journey, and it’s an honour to lead this group of players,” Popovic said ahead of Australia’s games against China (next Thursday, Adelaide Oval) and Japan (October 15, Saitama).

“I’m eager to welcome both the players and new staff into camp as we come together for the first time.

“This October window offers a great opportunity to showcase a vast improvement, both in our desire and in the quality of our play.

“This time in camp will be crucial as we lay the foundations that will not only help us succeed in this window but set the tone for our future ambitions.”

Socceroos squad: Daniel Arzani Keanu Baccus, Aziz Behich, Jordy Bos, Cameron Burgess, Thomas Deng, Mitchell Duke, Joe Gauci, Jason Geria, Craig Goodwin, Ajdin Hrustic, Nestory Irankunda, Jackson Irvine, Paul Izzo, Massimo Luongo, Riley McGree, Connor Metcalfe, Lewis Miller, Aiden O’Neill, Kye Rowles, Mat Ryan, Sam Silvera, Harry Souttar, Apostolos

Stamatelopoulos, Gianni Stensness, Nishan Velupillay.

More to come