Adam Taggart, Alessandro Circati and Cameron Burgess included in Socceroos World Cup qualifying squad in Perth

Three West Australians have been named in Tony Popovic’s squad for the Socceroos’ blockbuster final two World Cup qualifiers, as the clock ticks towards Thursday night’s clash with Japan in Perth. Rising Parma SC centre-back Alessandro Circati’s impressive, quickfire recovery from a torn ACL has continued as he was named to play his first Socceroos games since September. And the 21 year-old is joined in the squad by Perth Glory captain Adam Taggart and Ipswich Town defender Cameron Burgess. Unfortunately, there was no room for Joondalup product and Hibernian defender Jack Iredale, who missed out on selection for the 26-man squad after a 10-day training camp in Abu Dhabi. The Socceroos have landed in Perth ahead of their crucial clash with Japan at Optus Stadium this week, knowing a win and three points would all but seal their spot at next year’s World Cup. Circati’s superb return to Serie A football after missing just seven months with a torn ACL was enough to convince Popovic to call-up the Perth SC product, while Burgess could start alongside the youngster in the heart of defence. Taggart is one of two out-and-out strikers in the squad alongside Mitch Duke, with Brandon Borrello another option to play through the middle and Kusini Yengi missing out altogether. Fresh from Saturday night’s A-League Men’s grand final in Melbourne, Aziz Behich, Daniel Arzani, Marco Tilio, Kai Trewin, Kasey Bos and Ryan Teague have all flown in to Perth to link up with the Socceroos squad. With vice-captain Jackson Irvine sidelined through a foot injury, Popovic has opted for experience in the form of Anthony Caceres and Aiden O’Neill in the middle of the park, while Teague will also press for selection after an excellent debut against China in March. But there are also several high-profile exclusions, including Craig Goodwin and Nestory Irankunda, who are battling foot and hamstring injuries. Johnny Warren Medalist and Aberdeeb-bound Nicholas Milanovic also failed to make the cut following the Socceroos training camp, and the same was true for Netherlands-based midfielder Max Balard. However, Paul Okon-Engstler — the son of Socceroos great Paul — has been included for the first time. Socceroos vs Japan (Thursday June 5, Optus Stadium, 7pm) Goalkeepers: Joe Gauci (Aston Villa) Paul Izzo (Randers) Mat Ryan (RC Lens) Defenders: Aziz Behich (Melbourne City) Kasey Bos (Melbourne Victory) Cameron Burgess (Ipswich Town) Alessandro Circati (Parma) Milos Degenek (FK TSC Bačka Topola) Jason Geria (Albirex Niigata) Lewis Miller (Hibernian) Kye Rowles (DC United) Kai Trewin (Melbourne City) Midfielders: Anthony Caceres (Sydney FC) Riley McGree (Middlesbrough) Connor Metcalfe (St Pauli) Paul Okon-Engstler (Benfica) Aiden O’Neill (New York Red Bull) Ryan Teague (Melbourne Victory) Patrick Yazbek (Nashville SC) Forwards: Daniel Arzani (Melbourne Victory) Brandon Borrello (Western Sydney Wanderers) Martin Boyle (Hibernian) Mitch Duke (Machida Zelvia) Mo Toure (Randers) Adam Taggart (Perth Glory) Marco Tilio (Melbourne City)