Herdman cites reasons for including naturalisation candidates in Indonesian national team training camp
Indonesia national team coach John Herdman revealed the reasons for including two naturalisation candidates, Luke Vickery and Mitchell Baker, in the training camp and squad selection for the AFF Championship 2026. He stated he wanted to assess their on-field performance and quality during the June international break.
Mitchell Baker and Luke Vickery were surprise additions to the AFF Championship 2026 training camp held at Madya Stadium, Gelora Bung Karno (GBK), Jakarta, from 26-30 May 2026. Their names were not included in the provisional squad released by the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) earlier.
During an open training session on Saturday (30 May 2026), Herdman fielded both Luke Vickery and Mitchell Baker. Interestingly, Mitchell’s goal came from a Luke Vickery backpass error to goalkeeper Nadeo Argawinata.
Their presence confirms their status as naturalisation candidates currently being processed by PSSI. “Yes, Mitchell and Luke are two players we are monitoring for naturalisation. We have a strategy for both,” the English coach told reporters after the session.
The 50-year-old coach further confirmed that both players would continue to be monitored during the upcoming June international break. And with the A-League season, Luke, who plays for Macarthur, could join in Jakarta.
“Their off-season period aligns perfectly with this camp. Mitchell is on a university break, and we have received permission from Luke’s A-League club for him to train with us this week,” Herdman said.
“So it’s a great opportunity for me to assess these players and understand their quality.”
Regarding the possibility of fielding them in FIFA Matchday or the AFF Championship 2026, Herdman could not confirm. However, he hopes the naturalisation process for Mitchell and Luke will be completed swiftly.
“Not in June, not in June. We still hope that the government and officials managing this process, who have been incredibly supportive of the national team, will continue to assist us,” Herdman stated.