Australia have trimmed their World Cup squad down to 28 players, with Scott McDonald among those to be axed.
Verbeek explains decision to leave out Middlesbrough striker
Australia coach Pim Verbeek has trimmed his provisional World Cup squad down to 28 players, with Scott McDonald among those to be axed.
Middlesbrough striker McDonald misses out on next month's tournament and Verbeek has also left out Crystal Palace midfielder Nick Carle and defender Jade North.
McDonald featured in Australia's friendly win over New Zealand on Monday, but will not be making the trip to South Africa.
The former Celtic hot-shot has failed to score in 16 appearances for the Socceroos and Verbeek explained his reasons for omitting McDonald.
Tried everything
"Scotty is a typical two-striker player and that's where he feels happy also," said Verbeek.
"But we don't play with two strikers. We play with one striker up top and wingers, so Scotty doesn't fit in this system.
"He knows it and he tried everything."
Harry Kewell is expected to lead the Australia attack in South Africa providing he overcomes concerns regarding his fitness.
Australia have been drawn in Group D in the World Cup and face Germany in their opening game on 13th June before matches against Ghana and Serbia.
Australia squad:
Goalkeepers: Adam Federici (Reading), Eugene Galekovic (Adelaide United), Brad Jones (Middlesbrough), Mark Schwarzer (Fulham)
Defenders: Michael Beauchamp (Al-Jazira), David Carney (FC Twente), Scott Chipperfield (Basle), Shane Lowry (Aston Villa), Mark Milligan (JEF United), Craig Moore (unattached), Lucas Neill (Galatasaray)
Midfielders: Luke Wilkshire (Dinamo Moscow), Rhys Williams (Middlesbrough), Mark Bresciano (Palermo), Tim Cahill (Everton), Jason Culina (Gold Coast United), Brett Emerton (Blackburn), Richard Garcia (Hull), Vince Grella (Blackburn), James Holland, Brett Holman (both AZ Alkmaar), Mile Jedinak (Genclerbirligi), Tommy Oar (FC Utrecht), Carl Valeri (Sassuolo), Dario Vidosic (Nurnberg)
Strikers: Josh Kennedy (Nagoya Grampus), Harry Kewell (Galatasaray), Nikita Rukavytsya (FC Twente).
