Position: Midfielder
Born: 02.10.81
Club: Bristol City

Luke Wilkshire is just about the perfect example of Australia coach Guus Hiddink's policy of giving everyone a chance, regardless of their reputation.

Despite playing in the third tier of English football with Bristol City, Wilkshire has become a regular member of the Australia squad and was named in the 23-man party for Germany despite having played just 46 minutes in qualifying.

A tenacious midfielder with excellent passing ability, he began his career with Premiership side Middlesbrough but took the gamble of dropping two divisions in 2003 in order to gain regular first-team football.

That decision paid off as he was made captain of the 2004 Aussie Olympic side and impressed enough to earn his senior debut in October that year.