Queenslanders India Kubin and Shekinah Friske have been named in Ante Juric’s 23-player squad for this month’s AFC U-16 Women’s Championship Qualifiers in Vietnam.

The duo will be part of Australia’s bid to qualify for the AFC-U16 Women’s Championship, to be held in China in September 2017.

Northern Fury forward Kubin (left) and Eastern Suburbs goalkeeper Friske (right) caught the eye of coaches as part of the U15 Girls State Team at the Westfield National Youth Championships for Girls.

The young prospects further impressed at a pair of training camps in Canberra last month alongside fellow Queenslanders Holly McQueen, Kijah Stephenson and Hollie Palmer.

Kubin, a Ross River junior product, is a member of Fury’s elite development program while Friske is involved in Easts’ PlayStation® 4 National Premier Leagues junior setup.

Football Queensland Women’s & Inclusive Football Development Officer Sarah Willington predicted both players to continue their rapid advancement along the player pathway.

“India has worked hard to overcome the challenges associated with playing football in a regional area and is always willing to learn more about the game,” Willington said.

“This selection is a great testament to her character as a footballer.

“Shaq (Friske) only took up goalkeeping a couple of years ago but she has embraced the position.

“Her drive and passion will support her dream to represent Australia for many years to come.”

Australia is in Group D along with Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Palestine and Iraq and opens its campaign against Palestine on 25 August.

Each of the four group winners will progress to the 2017 AFC U-16 Women’s Championship, where three teams will qualify for the 2018 FIFA U17 World Cup.