It’s been a big week of celebrations for Sydney FC ‘s W-League team captain Teresa Polias. Not only did the 28-year-old Sydney midfielder lead the Sky Blues to a W-League Championship in the W-League Grand Final win against Perth Glory last Saturday, but on Thursday she celebrated her selection in the Matilda’s squad for the upcoming Cup of Nations.

Newly appointed Matilda’s coach Ante Milicic announced the squad earlier on Thursday and rewarded Polias and Melbourne Victory defender Teigan Allen with recalls to the 23-player squad after each of the players had exceptional seasons with their clubs in the W-League.

For Polias, her inclusion in the Matildas squad is a welcome return after an absence of four years. The Cup of Nations beginning next week, will give her the opportunity to add to her 10 Matildas caps and even more importantly give her a chance to stake a claim for a spot in the Matildas squad that will contest the 2019 FIFA Womens World Cup in France later this year.

The Matildas will gather in Brisbane for a four day training camp ahead of the Cup of Nations beginning next week with a match against New Zealand.

Australia faces New Zealand on 28 February in Sydney, South Korea on 3 March in Brisbane and Argentina on 6 March in Melbourne.

Matildas squad for the Cup of Nations:
Goalkeepers: Mackenzie Arnold, Eliza Campbell, Lydia Williams
Defenders: Teigen Allen, Laura Alleway, Ellie Carpenter, Steph Catley, Alanna Kennedy, Clare Polkinghorne, Gema Simon
Midfielders: Tameka Butt, Alex Chidiac, Elise Kellond-Knight, Chloe Logarzo, Aivi Luik, Teresa Polias, Emily van Egmond
Attackers: Lisa De Vanna, Caitlin Foord, Emily Gielnik, Princess Ibini, Sam Kerr, Hayley Raso.