Manchester United young gun James Overy headlines Olyroos' under 23s Asian Cups quad
Manchester United youngster James Overy has been named in a 23-player squad for Australia's under 23s Asian Cup starting in January next year.
The Olyroos have never won the tournament and will be pitted against Thailand, China and Iraq in Group D.
Thailand will be the first opponent on January 8 at Al Shabab FC Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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Manchester United's James Overy at Carrington Training Ground. Manchester United via Getty Imag
Other overseas based players are Jed Drew (TSV Harberg), Steven Hall (Brighton Hove & Albion FC), Louis Agosti (Dolomiti Bellunesi), Giuseppe Bovalina (Vancouver Whitecaps FC), Jaylan Pearman (QPR), Ariath Piol (Real Salt Lake) and Marcus Younis (Brondby IF).
Head coach Tony Vidmar admitted a number of players weren't available but praised those selected for their recent performances.
"This is an important opportunity to compete in a major Asian tournament and test our players against the best teams and talent in the region," he said in a statement.
"While many players were unavailable for selection, we have worked hard to build depth within the squad, and this tournament creates opportunities for players who have performed strongly over the past six months.
Tony Vidmar. Getty
"Players who have recently participated in this tournament and gone on to represent the Socceroos include Joe Gauci, Jordy Bos, Patrick Yazbek, Kusini Yengi, Lewis Miller, Jacob Italiano, Nishan Velupillay, Ryan Teague, Patrick Beach, Mo Toure, and Kai Trewin."
"I'm looking forward to seeing how this group comes together and performs as we continue to win in Asia."
The top two teams in each of the four groups of the under 23s Asian Cup will qualify for the quarter finals.
Olyroos squad
James Overy, Jed Drew, Steven Hall, Louis Agosti, Giuseppe Bovalina, Jaylan Pearman, Ariath Piol, Marcus Younis, Ethan Alagich, Lachlan Allen, Nathanael Blair, Yaya Dukuly, Aydan Hammond, Luke Jovanovic, Mathias Macallister, Kaelan Majekodunmi, Nathan Paull, Dylan Peraic-Cullen, Joshua Rawlins, Aidan Simmons, Jordi Valadon, Kane Vidmar
