Matildas head coach Alen Stajcic has recalled eight international based players for the Matildas 20 player squad to face New Zealand in next month's two match series in Ballaratt and Melbourne.
[More: Australia to face New Zealand in Rio 2016 farewell matches]
Stajcic has also recalled Sydney FC full back Teigen Allen with the 22 year old's good form seeing her return to the squad for the first time since 2014.
“Teigen has certainly improved over the last 12 months so she’s starting to get back to the standard she was at a few years ago which is pleasing, so this is a chance for her and now it’s up to her to take it with both hands,” said Stajcic.
Meanwhile forward Sam Kerr continues to be in a race against time to be fit for the Olympics following minor surgery last month. With only 18 positions available, Stajcic is hoping to use the New Zealand matches for continued assessment.
“Time is getting tight for her but if everything goes well she’ll definitely be in contention for one of the spots,” he said in relation to Kerr.
“This squad will obviously contain a lot of the players that will head to Rio but it’s certainly not 100 per cent finalised yet.”
[More: New Zealand name 20 player squad for Matildas series]
“There’s still a chance for players to put their hand up and again we’re trying to increase the depth of the team so we can be as competitive as we can internally and on the international stage as well."
“Being the only two matches we play before we head over to Brazil, these two hit outs against New Zealand are extremely important. We’re very fortunate that we’ve got a world class opponent on our door step and we’re thankful they are coming over for the two matches.”
The Matildas are set to begin arriving in Ballarat on Monday, 30 May for a full week's preparation before the two matches against New Zealand.
Tickets for the match in Ballarat are just $15 for adults. Click here for details.
The Matildas will depart for Brazil on 5 July 2016 for a one month pre tournament camp.
MATILDAS SQUAD v NEW ZEALAND
| Name | Date of Birth | Position | A International Caps (Goals) |
| Teigen Allen | 12/02/1994 | Defender | 37 (0) |
| Laura Alleway | 28/11/1989 | Defender | 43 (2) |
| Mackenzie Arnold (gk) | 25/02/1994 | Goalkeeper | 9 (0) |
| Tameka Butt | 16/06/1991 | Midfielder | 54 (7) |
| Ellie Carpenter | 28/04/2000 | Defender | 2 (0) |
| Stephanie Catley | 26/01/1994 | Defender | 47 (2) |
| Caitlin Cooper | 12/02/1988 | Defender | 5 (1) |
| Larissa Crummer | 10/01/1996 | Forward | 9 (1) |
| Lisa De Vanna | 14/11/1984 | Forward | 110 (38) |
| Casey Dumont (gk) | 25/01/1992 | Goalkeeper | 1 (0) |
| Caitlin Foord | 11/11/1994 | Midfielder | 43 (5) |
| Katrina Gorry | 13/08/1992 | Midfielder | 42 (13) |
| Michelle Heyman | 4/07/1988 | Forward | 46 (18) |
| Elise Kellond-Knight | 10/08/1990 | Midfielder | 69 (1) |
| Alanna Kennedy | 21/01/1995 | Defender | 41 (1) |
| Chloe Logarzo | 22/12/1994 | Midfielder | 6 (0) |
| Clare Polkinghorne | 1/02/1989 | Defender | 85 (6) |
| Kyah Simon | 25/06/1991 | Forward | 63 (19) |
| Emily van Egmond | 12/07/1993 | Midfielder | 52 (14) |
| Lydia Williams (gk) | 13/05/1988 | Goalkeeper | 52 (0) |
MATCH DETAILS
Australia v New Zealand
Saturday, 4 June
Morshead Park, Ballarat
Kick-off: 3pm
LIVE on FOX SPORTS and ABC TV
Australia v New Zealand
Tuesday, 7 June
Etihad Stadium, Melbourne
Kick-off: 5pm
LIVE on FOX SPORTS and ABC TV
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