Gun Newcastle Jets midfielder Josh Brillante is among three players dropped from the 30-man Socceroos World Cup squad.
Defender Curtis Good and Dutch based midfielder Adam Sarota were the other casualties.
Coach Ange Postecoglou says he agonised over the decision of who to cut but expects Sarota and Brillante to be part of future Socceroos teams.
“It wasn’t easy,” Postecoglou told reporters in Sydney on Tuesday.
“Obviously players being so close to getting on the plane to a World Cup and being part of it, it’s not the best news to deliver.”
“They have taken it professionally and understand that I’m sure their opportunities will come again,” he said.
“It’s obviously disappointing for those boys because they have worked really hard.
“A couple of decisions were made just because of their bodies not being able to hold up.
“I’m super confident all three will play a big part in our future.”
Jets goalkeeper Mark Birighitti and in-form striker Adam Taggart are still holding on to a dream of playing in Brazil, although another four players will be cut from the squad when it’s finalised on June 2.
The Socceroos played a lacklustre 1 all draw against an under strength South Africa in Sydney last night.
They’ll play Croatia in a friendly on June 7, before kicking off their World Cup campaign against Chile on June 13.
The 27-man squad is:
Mark Birighitti, OliverBozanic, Mark Bresciano, Tim Cahill, Jason Davidson, Ivan Franjic,Eugene Galekovic, Ben Halloran, James Holland, Mile Jedinak, JoshKennedy, Mitch Langerak, Matthew Leckie, Massimo Luongo, RyanMcGowan, Matt McKay, Mark Milligan, Tommy Oar, Tom Rogic, Mat Ryan,Matthew Spranovic, Adam Taggart, James Troisi, Dario Vidosic, AlexWilkinson, Luke Wilkshire, Bailey Wright.
