Giannou added to Australia squad for World Cup qualifiers

SYDNEY (AP) - Greek-born striker Apostolos Giannou has been added to Australia's squad for World Cup qualifiers against Tajikistan on March 23 and Jordan on March 28.

Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou included three uncapped players - Giannou, Jason Geria and Alex Gersbach - among nine changes to the 23-man squad which secured wins over Kyrgyzstan and Bangladesh last November.

Tim Cahill, who recently moved to Hangzhou Greentown, and Giannou, who plays for Guangzhou R&F, are among five China-based players selected in the squad. Crystal Palace veteran Mile Jedinak is among the 12 Europe-based players selected for the World Cup qualifying matches in Adelaide and Sydney.

Robbie Kruse will return for the first time since Australia's victory at the 2015 Asian Cup.

"There's more in us. We need to start pushing ahead and that's the reason I've brought some new faces into the squad," Postecoglou said. "There's another level in us and we have to find that.

"We're first in our group and winning both games will mean we finish there and that's important."

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Australia squad: Terry Antonis, Nathan Burns, Tim Cahill, Adam Federici, Jason Geria, Alex Gersbach, Apostolos Giannou, Chris Ikonomidis, Mile Jedinak, Robbie Kruse, Mitchell Langerak, Mathew Leckie, Massimo Luongo, Ryan McGowan, Mark Milligan, Aaron Mooy, Josh Risdon, Tommy Rogic, Mathew Ryan, Trent Sainsbury, Brad Smith, Matthew Spiranovic, Bailey Wright.

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