Former Sydney FC defender Simon Colosimo will be the A-League bolter named in Pim Verbeek's Socceroos squad on Tuesday.

The Sun-Herald can reveal that Melbourne Heart recruit Colosimo, Middlesbrough striker Scott McDonald and Aston Villa defender Shane Lowry will all make the 27-man provisional team for Australia's World Cup campaign.

Colosimo, who has scored three goals in 26 appearances for the Socceroos, could get a chance to add to the tally in South Africa. The 31-year-old helped lift Sydney to last season's A-League title and his efforts will be rewarded when Verbeek ends speculation about the Australian outfit this week.
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Verbeek has made no secret of his thoughts on the standard of the A-League. He made headlines when he stated: ''Training twice a day in Europe is better than playing in the A-League.''

But Colosimo will at least be one locally based player who will be part of the squad, which will be reduced to 23 before June 1.

Former Socceroos coach Les Scheinflug backed Colosimo to partner Lucas Neill at centre-half. ''He has definitely got the ability to be a modern-style centre-back or defensive midfield player, whatever he wants to be,'' Scheinflug said.

''[Craig] Moore is an experienced player but he lacks speed. If Colosimo plays, they won't kick him out.

''Colosimo is the boy who should have played in Italy 10 to 15 years ago. He would have played in any of the top teams but he didn't go [for family reasons].''

The Socceroos' defensive stocks are skinny and have been complicated by injuries to key players. Rale Rasic, the first coach to guide Australia to the World Cup, conceded Moore had slowed down but said he was still the man for the job.

''I see Australia as a bit too slow in the back four,'' Rasic said. ''But the obvious choice is Craig Moore because I don't think that someone like Verbeek will go for someone young to learn what it's all about in the tournament. You don't expect experiments in the World Cup.''

Although a new injury cloud hangs over Harry Kewell, the Galatasaray star is certain to be selected with the hope he will recover from a groin injury in time to play a role in South Africa.

Meanwhile, The Sun-Herald has learned that McDonald, who has not scored for the national team in his previous 15 appearances, will be one of the attacking weapons chosen to support or replace Kewell.

Other options include attacking winger Dario Vidosic, Richard Garcia, Nikita Rukavytsya and Bruce Djite. Perth-born Shane Lowry, who has previously represented the Republic of Ireland at under-17 level, is another intriguing selection.

Jade North, who has been playing with Norwegian club Tippeligaen, will also make the cut while Michael Beauchamp is firming for a position in the initial squad.

The Socceroos will head into camp in Melbourne ahead of their farewell match against the New Zealand All Whites on May 24.

You have to be kidding?

North, Beauchamp and Colosimo are all ahead of Milligan and Spiranovic...#-o

Lowry - rarely plays for Leeds

What are you talking about? He has started 11 games since February, including yesterdays win over Bristol.

And was to blame for Bristol's goal!!!

I'm not sold on Lowry as left back, but it appears we are getting desperate there.

Why are we thinking that we are so light in the Left Back area? Am I missing something?

For when he did play, Chipperfield was no doubt one of our best on the field. Yeah, he may be 34 but he is still quality. His performances for Basel have been brilliant, judging by all reports. And having David Carney as back-up is saying something. Just remember some of his goals (eg. vs Ireland and Nigeria).

The idea that Colosimo and Lowry are going to be selected ahead of established talent is a massive slap in the face and a joke.

Then I realised that the article who was written by Adrian Proszenko, the same guy who branded Melbourne Storm's players "cheating rats" and who wrote of his support for Rebecca Wilson.

Why are we thinking that we are so light in the Left Back area? Am I missing something?

For when he did play, Chipperfield was no doubt one of our best on the field. Yeah, he may be 34 but he is still quality. His performances for Basel have been brilliant, judging by all reports. And having David Carney as back-up is saying something. Just remember some of his goals (eg. vs Ireland and Nigeria).

Enlighten me on how Melbourne Storm are not cheating rats?
And we shall see if these three figure in a few days.

Melbourne Storm's PLAYERS are not cheats. Melbourne Storm is.

You've got Wilkshire who can LB too. I'd take him at LB ahead of Chipps, then fuck off Carney because he's useless as a Left back. Can't tackle for shit and runs straight at his opponent when he has the ball.

UMMMMMM
SO THERE PLAYERS DIDN'T KNOW THEY WERE RECEIVING PAYMENTS OFF THE BOOKS?
Come on your smarter then that kiddo. I know they wouldn't have known if they were going over the cap or not but you don't receive secret third party payments and not think it's a bit dodgy.

Well if you look at it that way then yes, you could say they are cheats. But it's the club's fault for offering them the extra money. If you were in their shoes would you say no to some extra money?

Jade North, who has been playing with Norwegian club Tippeligaen, will also make the cut while Michael Beauchamp is firming for a position in the initial squad.