Veterans Luke Wilkshire, Josh Kennedy, young midfielder Rogic among 4 cut by Australia

Published February 05, 2015

Veteran Dynamo Moscow defender Luke Wilkshire was one of four players cut by coach Ange Postecoglou as Australia reduced its squad to 23 players for the World Cup.

Wilkshire, a 32-year-old right back who played for Australia at both the 2006 and 2010 tournaments, did not figure in Postecoglou's plans since the new coach replaced Holger Osieck in November.

In a statement Tuesday from the team's training base in Vitoria, Brazil, Football Federation Australia said veteran striker Josh Kennedy and young playmaker Tom Rogic were cut for injury-related reasons — Japan-based Kennedy with a back ailment and Rogic with a groin injury.

The fourth player cut was Newcastle Jets goalkeeper Mark Birighitti.

The 21-year-old Rogic was substituted at halftime during Australia's 2-0 win over local side Parana Clube on Monday.

URL

https://www.foxnews.com/sports/veterans-luke-wilkshire-josh-kennedy-young-midfielder-rogic-among-4-cut-by-australia