Pim Culls Squad Down To 21

SOCCEROOS coach Pim Verbeek has culled his 39-man squad down to 21...before axing three more later for his final 18.

Just seven A-League players have made it into the last 21, and three of them are likely to be cut in the final selection which now looks like only being made shortly before kick-off against Qatar.

Michael Thwaite is one of those axed from the squad, despite being one of the first Euroroos to arrive in Australia after signing for Norwegian champs SK Brann on the way.

"I have released several players this morning, who will return immediately to their Hyundai A-League clubs," said Verbeek.

"It is important that, having made my decision they would not be in the final squad, I allow them to return home, especially those players that have an Hyundai A-League finals series match this weekend."

"I now have a squad of 21 players which will be reduced to 18 for the match tomorrow."

"I want to thank the players who have departed for attending the camp for their participation and contribution.

"The 2010 World Cup campaign is a long and challenging journey and everyone will play their part to help us qualify for the World Cup."

The latest squad is:-

John Aloisi, Mark Bresciano, Jacob Burns, Tim Cahill, David Carney, Ante Covic, Jason Culina, Brett Emerton, Brett Holman, Josh Kennedy, Scott McDonald, Craig Moore, Lucas Neill, Jade North, Mark Schwarzer, Archie Thompson, Nikolai Topor-Stanley, James Troisi, Carl Valeri, Danny Vukovic, Luke Wilkshire.

Players omitted:-
Beauchamp, Bridge, Brosque, Carle, Colosimo, Djite, Dodd, Grella, A&J Griffiths, Holland, Kewell, Milligan, Muscat, Musialik, Pondeljak, Thwaite, Vargas.