Matildas called into camp ahead of Korea Republic international

Photo: Laura Alleway makes a block against Korea Republic in the 2015 AFC Asian Cup (Credit: Emily Mogic Photography)

Preparations for the 2016 Rio Olympics continue for the Matildas with a 23-player camp called ahead of an international with Korea Republic on 29 November 2015.

The camp is Australia's second in recent months as they prepare for February's AFC Olympic Qualifiers.

The AIS camp sees the recall of  Canberra United trio Ellie Brush, Caitlin Munoz and Ashleigh Sykes (but withdrawn for personal reasons) and Sydney FC World Cup duo Leena Khamis and Teresa Polias.

Meanwhile 15-year-old Western Sydney Wanderers FC defender Ellie Carpenter receives her first senior Matildas call up after impressing in the early rounds of the W-League.

“This camp is another great chance to get the players together and with the Olympic qualifiers just over three months away we need to make the most of every opportunity we get to train together and improve,” said head coach Alen Stajcic.

“A number of players have been impressive in the opening rounds of the Westfield W-League season and deserve their call up into camp, so it will give them a chance to come and be part of the national setup and put their best foot forward."

“We want to build greater depth in this team and have a range of options and players to choose from come the Olympic qualifying tournament, a tournament which we are under no illusions is going to be extremely difficult.”

The camp builds on the squad selected for October's two match tour of China, which saw the Matildas draw 1-1 win China and post a narrow 1-0 loss to World Cup bronze medallists England.

FFA also announced they have accepted an invitation to play an international match against the Korea Republic on Sunday 29 November 2015 at Incheon Stadium in Incheon.

The international will see Matildas players unavailable for Round 7 of the W-League.

“There are limited opportunities to play matches against other countries before the Olympic qualifiers so we’re grateful to be able to have these games and this time over in Korea Republic,” said Stajcic.

“Korea Republic are a high quality opponent and being able to go over there and play against them will be beneficial for our preparations.”

The last time the two sides met was in the semi final of the 2015 AFC Asian Cup where Australia prevailed 2-1 in a tight contest.

Korea Republic v Westfield Matildas

Sunday 29 November 2015

Incheon Stadium, Incheon

Kick-Off 2:15pm local time (4:15pm AEDT)

Matildas squad for AIS training camp 9-12 November 2015