Melbourne Heart's Richard Garcia fronts up for Socceroos recall - The Daily Telegraph

Richard Garcia - who scored twice for Melbourne Heart against the Newcastle Jets yesterday - is in Holger Osieck's preliminary Socceroos squad for Hong Kong. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

As expected, Socceroos coach Holger Osieck names an inexperienced squad for the East Asian Cup qualifiers.

Brisbane Roar midfielder Ben Halloran is shocked by his call-up to the A-League dominated Socceroos squad for the East Asian Cup qualifiers.

MELBOURNE Heart utility Richard Garcia reports for Socceroos duty today with mixed emotions.

Rapt to have received his first Socceroos call-up in two years, Garcia feels guilty leaving behind his A-League teammates, who face a challenging fortnight almost certainly without him, Aziz Behich and Michael Marrone.

While Holger Osieck will whittle his squad from 25 to 20 for next week's East Asian Games qualifiers in Hong Kong, the Socceroos coach was impressed with Behich's debut against Korea a fortnight ago, and Marrone was in the squad in the home World Cup qualifier against Saudi Arabia.

Garcia, 31, was a regular under Osieck and was picked for the 2011 Asian Cup squad before another injury setback.

After dropping off the radar, Garcia decided to quit Hull City for the A-League and it has paid off.

Continuing in a more advanced role, his good form continued on Saturday when he scored a brace although Heart let 2-0 and 3-2 leads slip to draw with Newcastle Jets.

"It's fantastic (to be back). I put myself back on the radar and they can see what I've got to offer. Hopefully the next few weeks go well," Garcia said.

"It comes at a tough time for the club, but you never say no to the national team.

"We've got a couple of important games coming up, but that's why every player in the squad is important - the depth will be tested but I'm sure guys that come in will do a great job."

Garcia started the season as a holding midfielder alongside Matt Thompson but in recent weeks has played further forward, either behind striker Josip Tadic or on the right wing - where he has played most of his career.

"I'm happy to score, but I'd rather be winning," he said. "It's helped playing further forward. It's more natural for me. It's the story of my career really. I'm someone who can play anywhere and I've played in many positions accordingly.

"I know they're eager to keep me more advanced, but we'll just see how the season progresses.

"I'm happy to play anywhere but the attacking part of my game is better than the defensive side."

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Fox EPL deal

FOX Sports will televise English Premier League matches for a further three years after striking a deal with the company that controls the international rights believed to be worth $15 million a year.

Fox today will announce it has signed until the end of the 2015-16 season. Last week Fox extended its A-League and Socceroos contract by four years in a $160 million deal.