Star InactiveStar InactiveStar InactiveStar InactiveStar Inactive

 

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).

Top