Surprise... McDonald cut from Australian squad.

It is believed Verbeek informed the players of his decision shortly after the friendly against New Zealand last night.

The announcement does come as a shock though as the three, especially McDonald and Carle, were thought of legitimate chances of making the World Cup squad.

However, it appears McDonald’s poor form for his country ultimately led to his demise. The diminutive striker, who made his name with Celtic before moving to Middlesborough, is still yet to break his duck on the international front.

Carle and North however didn’t even get a run against the All Whites.

Carle, playing for Crystal Palace in England, has often split opinion in the public, however, many believed his versatile and somewhat unorthodox style of play would get him a spot on the plane to South Africa.

The cutting of North was probably the least shocking of the three considering how long he’s been out for and his poor form playing in Korea. The impressive performance of comeback-kid Michael Beauchamp might have also gone against the former Newcastle Jets captain.

Verbeek will now take his 28-man squad to South Africa and will cut it down to his final 23 after friendlies against Denmark and the United States, respectively.