Greek-born Socceroos striker Apostolos Giannou has another opportunity to prove himself on the international stage after receiving a last minute call-up from Ange Postecoglou.

The coach has recalled Giannou as an injury replacement for striker Tomi Juric in the Socceroos squad, which is gathered in Thailand for next Tuesday evening’s World Cup qualifier against Thailand in Bangkok.

Giannou’s late call up comes after the Swiss-based Juric limped out of FC Luzern’s Swiss Super League match last Sunday with a knee injury.

“We have had confirmation from the medical staff at Luzern that Tomi has suffered a knee injury that will rule him out of the match against Thailand,” said Postecoglou.

“Apo Giannou was on standby and he is on his way to Thailand to join the squad. Over the last 18 months we have worked hard to ensure we have depth and we have full faith in Apo to join the squad and get the job done.”

It’s uncertain whether Postecoglou considered the possibility of recalling Tim Cahill to the squad after Cahill appeared to get through 90 minutes unscathed for Melbourne City against Brisbane Roar last Friday. But he opted for the Chinese-based Giannou.

Giannou is one of three late additions to the squad following injuries to selected Socceroo squad members in the run-up to this qualifier.

Midfielder Massimo Luongo and keeper Mitch Langerak were both late withdrawals after sustaining foot injuries last weekend. Coach Postecoglou has drafted in Melbourne City midfielder Luke Brattan and Swansea City keeper Mark Birighitti as late replacements.

“Mitch and Massimo have foot injuries that have ruled them out of the match against Thailand,” Postecoglou said. “We have called in Luke Brattan and Mark Birighitti and they will join the squad in Bangkok immediately for the week-long training camp and we know they will do the job required. Both Mitch and Massimo have been managing injuries and we think it is best they stay with their clubs to help with their recovery over the international break.”

Birighitti’s call-up is his first since June, when he was part of the Socceroos squad for the friendlies against England and Greece. For the uncapped Brattan, it’s the first call-up since 2015.