Westfield Matildas interim head coach Alen Stajcic says his squad are looking sharp and focussed after getting a first look at his players in training this week.

The 28-player squad have assembled on the Gold Coast in one the team’s last training camps before the squad for next month’s AFC Women’s Asian Cup is named on May 5.

The squad features experienced keeper Melissa “Bubs” Barbieri and striker Kate Gill from Perth Glory.

Up and coming talent such as newly named Sydney FC player of the year Nicola Bolger and Katrina Gorry from Roar are also in camp.

Stajcic, who took the reins from Hesterine de Reus after the Dutchwoman was relieved of her duties, is very familiar with the squad having previously worked with many of them as Young Matildas boss.

And he is excited by the way the side is taking shape as they aim to defend their Asian crown in Vietnam in a tournament that doubles as a World Cup qualifier.

“It is very exciting to have the opportunity to work with this group, a true honour,” Stajcic said.

“A couple of sessions already and the girls are looking sharp and focussed.

“There is still plenty of work to be done before the final squad is selected and we head to Vietnam for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup.”

The Matildas are in a group with world champions Japan, host nation Vietnam and Jordan for the tournament in Ho Chi Minh City from 14-25 of May.

Full Westfield Matildas squad for Gold Coast training camp:

First Name – Last Name – Club
Teigen ALLEN Western Sydney Wanderers
Laura ALLEWAY Brisbane Roar
Mackenzie ARNOLD (gk) Western Sydney Wanderers
Melissa BARBIERI (gk) Adelaide United
Nicola BOLGER Sydney FC
Hannah BREWER Newcastle Jets
Tameka BUTT Brisbane Roar
Kim CARROLL Brisbane Roar
Stephanie CATLEY Melbourne Victory
Emma CHECKER Melbourne Victory
Brianna DAVEY (gk) Melbourne Victory
Rhali DOBSON Newcastle Jets
Casey DUMONT Sydney FC
Kathryn GILL Perth Glory
Katrina-Lee GORRY Brisbane Roar
Amy HARRISON Sydney FC
Michelle HEYMAN Canberra United
Elise KELLOND-KNIGHT Brisbane Roar FC
Alanna KENNEDY Western Sydney Wanderers
Leena KHAMIS Sydney FC
Chloe LOGARZO Sydney FC
Collette MCCALLUM Perth Glory
Teresa POLIAS Sydney FC
Clare POLKINGHORNE Brisbane Roar
Vedrana POPOVIC Brisbane Roar
Hayley RASO Brisbane Roar
Ashleigh SYKES Canberra United
Emily VAN-EGMOND Western Sydney Wanderers

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