Matildas Asian Cup squad announced

Alen Stajcic has named the 23-player squad for the 2018 AFC Asian Cup in Jordan next month.

The Matildas will commence a two-week camp in Western Australia later today as they sharpen their focus towards the Asian Cup which also serves as qualification for the 2019 Women’s World Cup in France.

Kyah Simon, Emily Gielnik, Steph Catley, and Hayley Raso have been included in the squad despite not playing at the Algarve Cup due to injuries.

Hannah Brewer, Emily Condon and Rachel Lowe are the only players from the Algarve Cup squad to not feature while goalkeeper Casey Dumont joins the squad.

Melbourne City’s Aivi Luik is also included in the squad and last represented Australia in 2015.

Luik has been impressive for City in the recent W-League scoring two goals in her sides run to becoming three-time Championship winners.

There are 14 players who were part of the 2014 Asian Cup squad which loss 1-0 in the final to Japan.

Stajcic is looking forward to the upcoming tournament and believes the players are focussed on the challenge ahead.

“The players have set themselves specific goals for the Asian Cup which is one of the three major international tournaments along with the FIFA Women’s World Cup & Olympics," said Stajcic.

“Looking to the tournament, we certainly do not underestimate any of our opposition.

"The Korea Republic have made great improvements in recent times and Japan are the defending champions so there will be definitely no complacency on our part," he said.

The 2018 AFC Women’s Asian Cup will be held in Amman, Jordan between 6 to 20 April with all the Matildas matches live on Fox Sports.