WaiBOP United’s Aaron Scott is one of five ASB Premiership players who have earned All Whites call-ups for New Zealand’s friendly match with Trinidad & Tobago.
Peter Smith, WaiBOP United’s Head Coach, is pleased for Scott. “Aaron’s professionalism and leadership have shone through in the short time our group of players have been together and I couldn’t be more delighted for him to have an opportunity to stake a claim for a place in the World Cup play-off squad,” says Smith.
Uncapped Olympique de Marseille teenager Bill Tuiloma has been handed a chance along with a number of recalled players to push his way into Ricki Herbert’s plans for November after being named in a 22-man All Whites squad for the upcoming tour which culminates with an international against Trinidad & Tobago.
The versatile former Birkenhead United and Waitakere United player – who has been turning out in the UEFA Youth League this season – has already represented New Zealand at U-17 and U-20 World Cups and may now force his way into the frame to help the All Whites reach the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
“Bill is a talented young player we’ve been tracking for a while and we think the time is right to bring him into the environment and see if he can make another step up,” said Herbert.
Injuries to a number of key players have given Herbert the chance to cast his net wide as he places the final pieces of a selection jigsaw to take on the fourth placed CONCACAF nation home and away for a place among 32 World Cup nations in Brazil next year.
The All Whites will fly into Port of Spain for the international against the Soca Warriors on October 15 (local time). The squad will have a week together prior to the Trinidad & Tobago match, with the tour programme expected to be confirmed tomorrow following the cancellation of training matches against a pair of club sides late last week.
“We have almost a full week in camp which is more than we’ve had for a single international since probably the away leg against Bahrain,” said Herbert.
“The tour gives us is a real chance to work through options for November, try a few things away from the spotlight then ramp things up for the match against Trinidad and Tobago.
“Who knows what will happen between now and November? This group of players could be in contention for the intercontinental playoff, we have a few [players] out with injuries for this tour and it could be the same in a month.”
“We’re missing a number of players but the upside is that we bring in a group of players desperate to pull on the shirt and help New Zealand get to a World Cup. They now have that chance.”
Scotland-based Rory Fallon, whose goal took the All Whites to South Africa is back in the mix since last representing New Zealand in the Solomon Islands last year, while Auckland City custodian Tamati Williams earns a recall to the national team for the first time since 2004 where he was an unused substitute throughout an ill-fated Oceania Nations Cup campaign in Australia.
Team Wellington midfielder Cole Peverley, who played alongside Williams for New Zealand ‘A’ recently, gets another chance to add to the solitary cap he earned in 2008 and five cap fullback Scott is back after playing in the win over the Solomon Islands earlier this year.
Uncapped Sweden-based midfielder Craig Henderson is included in an All Whites squad for the first time since 2011 and experienced midfielder Jeremy Christie is back for the first time since 2010.
Dan Keat returns to the squad after missing the OSN Cup in Saudi Arabia through injury and Michael McGlinchey does the same after missing that tour due to the birth of his first child.
Chris Killen’s Achilles surgery rules him out of the October window and potentially beyond but Shane Smeltz (hip), Chris Wood (hamstring), Marco Rojas (foot) and Tim Payne (ankle) are all expected to be fit again for the intercontinental playoff against Panama, Mexico, Honduras or Jamaica.
Following communication to New Zealand Football from FIFA, New Zealand Football have imposed a one-match ban on Ben Sigmund for his red card gained against UAE last month and he has not been considered for inclusion in the squad.
Ian Hogg, who is suspended for the first leg of the intercontinental playoff, has also not been considered for this tour.
New Zealand squad for October window (Club – caps/goals)
Goalkeepers Glen MOSS (Wellington Phoenix –23/0), Tamati WILLIAMS (Auckland City – 0/0)
Defenders Andrew DURANTE (Wellington Phoenix –3/0), Tony LOCHHEAD (Unattached –45/1), Winston REID (Captain / West Ham United, ENG– 16/1), Tommy SMITH (Ipswich Town, ENG–24/2), Aaron SCOTT (WaiBOP United – 5/0), Bill TUILOMA (Olympique de Marseille, FRA – 0/0), Ivan VICELICH (Auckland City – 87/6)
Midfielders Leo BERTOS (Wellington Phoenix – 54/0), Jake BUTLER (Waitakere United –1/0), Aaron CLAPHAM (Canterbury United – 12/0), Jeremy CHRISTIE (Unattached – 26/1), Craig HENDERSON (Mjällby AIF, SWE – 0/0), Cam HOWIESON (Burnley, ENG – 6/0), Dan KEAT (Falkenbergs FF, SWE – 4/0), Michael MCGLINCHEY (Central Coast Mariners, AUS – 22/3), Cole PEVERLEY (Team Wellington – 1/0)
Forwards Kosta BARBAROUSES (Melbourne Victory, AUS – 21/2), Kris BRIGHT (IFK Mariehamn, FIN – 5/1), Jeremy BROCKIE (Wellington Phoenix – 39/0), Rory FALLON (St Johnstone, SCO – 14/3)
Staff Ricki HERBERT (Coach), Neil EMBLEN (Assistant Coach), Clint GOSLING (GK Coach), Brian TURNER (Manager), Roland JEFFERY (Physio), Mark FULCHER (Doctor), Wade IRVINE (Massage Therapist), Ryan FAITHFULL (Technical Analyst), Seamus MARTEN (Media Manager)
