Mullen to start

Young Adelaide United defender Daniel Mullen is the surprise inclusion in the Socceroos starting XI for the Asian Cup qualifier against Kuwait in Canberra.

Young Adelaide United defender Daniel Mullen is the surprise inclusion in the Socceroos starting XI for the Asian Cup qualifier against Kuwait in Canberra.

Mullen, 19, gets his chance to debut playing in back four alongside Craig Moore, Rody Vargas and Matt Thompson.

Michael Zullo gets his first start in a Socceroos shirt as well in an attacking looking line-up which also included Matt Simon and Archie Thompson.

Eugene Galekovic retains his spot in goal, while Tom Pondeljak and Paul Reid and Matt McKay form the rest of the midfield.

All in all, there are three changes from the starting XI against Indonesia, with Danny Allsopp and Scott Jamieson injured and Dean Heffernan left out.

Fabian Barbiero and Mitch Nichols have been named on the bench and could make their debuts.

There was also a surprise in the Kuwait line-up with Ahmad Ajab, the visitor's gun striker, starting on the bench.

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