MARK Bresciano has been called into the Socceroos squad for the international friendly against Belgium next week, with Terry Antonis ruled out with a hamstring injury.

Antonis pulled up sore after Sydney FC’s 4-2 win over Newcastle Jets this week, and although Ange Postecoglou initially opted to rest veteran Bresciano, he will now link up with the squad next week.

“Terry Antonis has pulled up sore with a hamstring after Wednesday night’s game and after consultation with the Sydney FC medical staff it has been decided he will not make the long flight to Europe for the matches,” Postecoglou said.

“It is a shame for Terry because we were looking forward to getting him into the Socceroos camp and giving him an opportunity. Mark Bresciano will come into the squad, which certainly adds quality and experience for what will be two tough matches.”

The Socceroos will test themselves against a near-full strength Belgium squad brimming with English Premier League talent when they commence Asian Cup preparations next week. The Red Devils on Thursday (Friday morning AEST) named a 22-man squad for next week’s friendly international in Liege, both sides’ first outing since the World Cup.

Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany, Chelsea star Eden Hazard and Everton striker Romelu Lukaku were all included, despite the match losing some of its significance for the hosts with the postponement of their upcoming Euro 2016 qualifier against Israel.

Injured Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini and Barcelona recruit Thomas Vermaelen were the big names missing. Red Devils coach Marc Wilmots also named four players who didn’t make his 23-man squad for the World Cup in Brazil, where Belgium reached the quarter-finals.

Goalkeeper Jean-Francois Gillet, defenders Guillaume Gillet and Jelle Van Damme and midfielder Radja Nainggolan all come into the squad.

Ange Postecoglou has named a strong Australian squad including captain Mile Jedinak and Tim Cahill.

The Socceroos will also face Saudi Arabia in London on September 8 as part of the build-up towards the Asian Cup in Australia in January.

Belgium were to use next week’s match as a tune-up for their first Euro qualifier, against Israel in Jerusalem five days later, however UEFA agreed to push back the match until March 31 next year due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

SOCCEROOS SQUAD

WHAT WE LEARNT FROM ANGE POSTECOGLOU’S ANNOUNCEMENT

Belgium squad

Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois (Chelsea), Simon Mignolet (Liverpool), Jean-Francois Gillet (Torino)

Defenders: Toby Alderweireld (Atletico Madrid), Laurent Ciman (Standard), Guillaume Gillet (Bastia), Vincent Kompany (Manchester City), Nicolas Lombaerts (Zenit Saint-Petersbourg), Jelle Van Damme (Standard), Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham)

Midfielders: Nacer Chadli (Tottenham), Kevin De Bruyne (Wolfsburg), Steven Defour (Anderlecht), Moussa Dembele (Tottenham), Eden Hazard (Chelsea), Adnan Januzaj (Manchester United), Radja Nainggolan (AS Roma), Axel Witsel (Zenit Saint-Petersbourg)

Attackers: Romelu Lukaku (Everton), Dries Mertens (Naples), Kevin Mirallas (Everton), Divock Origi (Lille)

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