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Wilkshire cut from Australia squad

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Dynamo Moscow midfielder Luke Wilkshire has failed to make the final Socceroos squad, one of four players cut from the preliminary selection by coach Ange Postecoglou.

- Final 23-man World Cup squads

Wilkshire, a veteran of 80 caps for the Socceroos, was left out along with Mark Birighitti, Josh Kennedy and Tom Rogic.

Mark Bresciano, Tim Cahill and Mark Milligan have all been selected, meaning they become the first Australian players to go to three World Cups.

Seven of the players named are currently on the books of A-League clubs.

"Every step of the selection process has been difficult because the players have worked very hard since they came into camp but we have had to weigh up form, fitness and squad balance in coming up with the 23 players who will represent Australia at the 2014 World Cup,'' Postecoglou said.

"We've selected a squad that can do Australia proud and they will walk out onto the pitch for the World Cup in the green and gold shirt and display the characteristics that define our country.

"Our stated aim is to make our country proud, show the world what Australians are made of and test ourselves against the very best football players in the world and this group of players is capable of doing that."

Australia are grouped with Chile, Netherlands and holders Spain.

Australia squad: Oliver Bozanic, Mark Bresciano, Tim Cahill, Jason Davidson, Ivan Franjic, Eugene Galekovic, Ben Halloran, James Holland, Mile Jedinak, Mitchell Langerak, Mathew Leckie, Massimo Luongo, Ryan McGowan, Matt McKay, Mark Milligan, Tommy Oar, Mat Ryan, Matthew Spiranovic, Adam Taggart, James Troisi, Dario Vidosic, Alex Wilkinson, Bailey Wright.