Lucas Neill closes in on new club after Al Jazira exit

Australia coach Holger Oseick confirms his captain is close to signing a deal with a club in the Arabian Gulf after being released by the Pro League side at the end of last season.

Lucas Neill in action for Al Jazira last season
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Former Al Jazira defender Lucas Neill has been named in Australia's latest football squad - as national coach Holger Osieck confirmed the player is set to stay in the Arabian Gulf.

The 34-year-old is set to skipper Australia in their friendly match against Scotland next week despite not currently having a club.

He was released by Al Jazira at the end of last season, having made 19 appearances for the Pro League side since joining from Galatasaray last summer.

Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr had been linked with a move for the player after his exit from the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium, and Australia coach Osieck admitted Neill was close to staying in the region.

"[Lucas] has been working with clubs and is close to re-signing again with one of the Middle Eastern teams," he said.

Former Al Nasr midfielder Mark Bresciano, who moved to Qatar Stars League side Al-Gharafa at the weekend, is also included in the squad, though Harry Kewell and Tim Cahill have been excluded.

Australia squad: Mark Bresciano, Alex Brosque, David Carney, Jason Davidson, Adam Federici, Chris Herd, Brett Holman, Mile Jedinak, Neil Kilkenny, Robbie Kruse, Mitch Langerak, Scott McDonald, Ryan McGowan, Lucas Neill, Sasa Ognenovski, Mark Schwarzer, Archie Thompson, Carl Valeri, Luke Wilkshire, Rhys Williams.