Socceroos v Japan: Aaron Mooy and Mitch Nichols surprise inclusions for Ange Postecoglou's Socceroos squad Ange Postecoglou makes no apologies for continuing to tinker with the Socceroos squad and style ahead of the Asian Cup. Melbourne City's Aaron Mooy. SOCCEROOS coach Ange Postecoglou will back A-League talent in his quest to claim January's Asian Cup trophy, with three untried locals picked in his latest squad. Midfielders Aaron Mooy (Melbourne City) and Mitch Nichols (Perth Glory) were the shock selections in the 23-man squad to face Japan in a fortnight. And Sydney FC midfielder Terry Antonis, 20, has been rewarded for his stellar start to the season with a call-up, for what will be the final friendly before the Asian Cup squad is selected. Six A-League players were picked, but Matthew Spiranovic is certain to make the Asian Cup squad while Western Sydney teammate Tomi Juric is a strong contender along with Eugene Galekovic, Bruce Djite (Adelaide United), Nathan Burns (Wellington), Carl Valeri (Melbourne Victory) and Corey Gameiro (Sydney FC). Aaron Mooy of Melbourne controls the ball during the round one A-League match between Sydney FC and Melbourne City at Allianz Stadium on October 11, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Postecoglou indicated that the number of locals picked in the Asian Cup squad could exceed the seven that made the final cut in Brazil. "There's no reason why it can't be, it depends on players" form and how they go in the first half of the year,"" Postecoglou said. It will be an indicator of the league's development if more than half squad is coming from A-League. Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou sits down with Santo, Sam and Ed for Total Football. That will put some pressure on players when they're making decision on going overseas. "I'd be surprised if anyone watching the games hasn't been impressed by the standard and tempo of games. they've gone up a level."" Aside from long-term injury absentees such as Curtis Good and Rhys Williams, Postecoglou revealed that Spiranovic would benefit from playing games for the Wanderers while Dutch-based attacker Tommy Oar copped a knock. Mooy, Nichols and Antonis are all capped but have received their first call-up by Postecoglou. "Aaron technically is a very good footballer and I want to give players like the opportunity to experience senior football,"" he said. Terry's a player I rate very highly. He shows all the attributes of being a good footballer and hopefully a good international footballer and we've got to make sure he gets right kind of international experience."" Nichols was on fire for Melbourne Victory before accepting an offer to join Cerezo Osaka in Japan last December, though he struggled to break into the team. Asked whether the move cost him a World Cup spot, Postecoglou said: "That's for him to decide but I think you're in much better shape playing than not playing. "Maybe the Japan experience has matured him."" Postecoglou seemed to suggest that Wanderers keeper Ante Covic would not get a look-in despite his Champions League heroics and consistency, while he said star winger Robbie Kruse was progressing. "When I got the job I said I would regenerate and I've got to stay true to that,"" Postecoglou said. The majority of players I pick have got to be around for the four-year cycle. "The last camp he (Kruse) trained really well and it looks like he's ready to play football."" Captain Mile Jedinak, New York Red Bulls striker Tim Cahill and Qatar-based midfielder Mark Bresciano have all been picked. Japan v Australia 18 November 2014 Yanmar Stadium Nagai, Osaka Kick-Off: 9.20pm AEDT Match will be broadcast live on FOX SPORTS