Chesterfield defender Aaron Downes has been called-up for the Australian Quantas Under 23 squad, which is due to play Olympic qualifying games against Iraq, Lebanon and DPR Korea.

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The away game against Iraq will be played in Doha, Qatar on Wednesday 22 August 2007, kick-off 5.00pm BST. 

 

He will then travel to Australia for the home games against Lebanon on Saturday 8 September 2007 and DPR Korea on Wednesday 12 September 2007. 

 

It means the Spireites captain will miss two forthcoming Chesterfield home games at Saltergate, the Johnstone's Paint Trophy tie against Hartlepool United on Tuesday 4 September 2007, and the league game against Bury on Friday 7 September 2007.

 

He may also miss the home game against Rochdale when further international matches are played in the autumn.

 

The Australians will need to finish at the top of the group over their six pool matches to qualify for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

 

The group matches will be held from 22 August - 21 November 2007.

 

The Qantas Under 23's progressed to the final round of qualifying after finishing second in Group D of the second round of qualifying behind Saudi Arabia.

 

Groupings:

 

Group A
A1 Iraq
A2 Lebanon
A3 DPR Korea
A4 Australia

 

Group B
B1 Korea Republic
B2 Bahrain
B3 Syria
B4 Uzbekistan

 

Group C
C1 Japan
C2 Saudi Arabia
C3 Qatar
C4 Vietnam

 

Fixtures:-

 

22 Aug 07 - Iraq v Australia
22 Aug 07 - DPR Korea v Lebanon
8 Sep 07 - Australia v DPR Korea
8 Sep 07 - Lebanon v Iraq
12 Sep 07 - Australia v Lebanon
12 Sep 07 - Iraq v DPR Korea
17 Oct 07 - Lebanon v Australia
17 Oct 07 - DPR Korea v Iraq
17 Nov 07 - Australia v Iraq
17 Nov 07 - Lebanon v DPR Korea
21 Nov 07 - Iraq v Lebanon
21 Nov 07 - DPR Korea v Australia