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Nzherald - Four new caps were today named
in a 23-strong All Whites squad for the AFC/OFC Challenge Cup soccer match
against Iran on October 12 in Tehran.
The four selected at senior level for the first time are Rupesh Puna, Glen
Moss, Allan Pearce and Tony Lochhead.
The squad also contain six players eligible for selection to the Olympic
under-23 team next season.
Coach Mick Waitt said he looked at his selections for the match with an eye
to the future.
"This match signals a new era for the All Whites as we plan for the 2006
World Cup qualifying competition and next year's Athens Olympic qualifying
tournament," Waitt said.
"While the door isn't completely closed at this point, there are a number of
players who have served the game with great honour and commitment over many
years who have made way on this occasion for younger players.
"Finding the right mix of experience and the need to provide international
experience to the younger players is never easy but I believe we have
gathered together an exciting squad for what will be a difficult challenge
in Teheran."
Ryan Nelsen will captain the side.
The former New Zealand under-23 skipper wore the armband against Colombia in
the recent Confederations Cup when Chris Zoricich was ruled out with injury.
Waitt said Nelsen was poised to lead the All Whites for some time.
"Ryan is a natural leader, as evidenced with the Olympic squad in 2000 and
his recent appointment to the role with DC United (in the United States).
"His stature and playing ability make him the obvious choice to lead this
team into a new era."
Brent Fisher, Shane Smeltz and Raffaele de Gregorio were not considered
because of injury.
New Zealand Soccer (NZS) chief executive Bill MacGowan said the team had
been one of the more difficult to bring together from a logistical point of
view.
He and NZS director of football Paul Smalley faced many issues from player
availability to injury to visa requirements.
MacGowan said safety was also an issue to consider.
"Clearly the Middle East is a volatile part of the world but we have been in
constant communication with the New Zealand Embassy in Baghdad and
Government agencies here in New Zealand and will continue to monitor the
situation.
"That, and the need to communicate with all clubs concerned, led to a delay
in today's announcement but we had to ensure all issues were covered off
before publicly naming the squad."
The team assemble in Dubai next Tuesday before travelling to Iran.
All Whites squad: Aaran Lines, Ruch Chorzow (Poland), Allan Pearce, Lincoln
City (England), Chris Killen, Oldham Athletic (England), Christian
Bouckenooghe, Roeselare (Belgium), Che Bunce, Randers (Denmark), David
Mulligan, Barnsley (England), Duncan Oughton, Columbus Crew (US), Gerard
Davis, Tampere United (Finland), Glen Collins, Football Kingz (NZ), Glen
Moss, Sydney Olympic (Australia), Ivan Vicelich, Roda JC (Holland), Mark
Paston, Bradford (England), Michael Wilson, Stanford University (US), Noah
Hickey, Tampere United (Finland), Rupesh Puna, Caversham (NZ), Ryan Nelsen,
DC United (US, captain), Simon Elliott, LA Galaxy (US), Tony Lochhead, Santa
Barbara (US). |
