Mariners trio honoured by Socceroos call up

Central Coast Mariners captain Alex Wilkinson and team-mates Mile Jedinak and Matt Simon have today been recognised for their outstanding form in yellow and navy with a call up to Pim Verbeek’s Socceroos squad that will assemble in Brisbane next week to continue their quest for a berth at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Central Coast Mariners captain Alex Wilkinson and team-mates Mile Jedinak and Matt Simon have today been recognised for their outstanding form in yellow and navy with a call up to Pim Verbeek-s Socceroos squad that will assemble in Brisbane next week to continue their quest for a berth at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

The Socceroos are set to take on Qatar at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday, 15 October, with Verbeek today enlisting the assistance of Jedinak, Simon and Wilkinson to help Australia overcome their next hurdle on the road to South Africa.

The Mariners trio will assemble in Brisbane from next Wednesday, 8 October, alongside Australian football luminaries Mark Bresciano, Tim Cahill, Harry Kewell, Lucas Neill and Mark Schwarzer amongst others included in an extended 35-man squad.

While Simon and Wilkinson have experience with Australian national teams at restricted age levels, each have yet to make an appearance for the Socceroos despite being involved in several training camps in recent times.

However, season three Mariners Medallist Jedinak is in line to record his fourth Socceroos cap after debuting in green and gold last March against Singapore before adding appearances against Ghana and China in Sydney during the Hyundai A-League off-season.

“On behalf of everyone at the Mariners, I congratulate Mile, Matt and Alex on their selection for the Socceroos- FIFA World Cup qualifier against Qatar – it is indeed a fitting reward for each of them for their outstanding form with the Mariners,” said Mariners Executive Chairman Lyall Gorman.

“We as a club are totally supportive of the Socceroos- quest for qualification for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and are very proud to be able to provide Pim Verbeek with three exceptional talents that I-m sure will represent their country with pride and honour if given the chance.”

The Mariners- Hyundai A-League 2008/09 campaign continues at the Hindmarsh Stadium home of AFC Champions League semi finalists Adelaide United on Friday, 3 October. Kick off is at 8pm AEST.

The Mariners are next at Bluetongue Stadium on Sunday, 19 October, when they host the Wellington Phoenix in Round 8. Kick off is at 3pm.

Tickets for this match are on sale from Ticketek outlets, from the Ticketek website – www.ticketek.com.au, or via phone on 132 849.

Mariners Memberships for the Hyundai A-League 2008/09 season are now on sale at www.ccmariners.com.au.