All Whites: Tommy Smith ruled out, James Musa called in

All Whites defender Tommy Smith. Photo / Photosport.

All Whites defender Tommy Smith has been ruled out of the upcoming FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against the Solomon Islands with a hamstring injury.

The 27-year-old, who has played 32 internationals for New Zealand since making his debut in 2010, injured his hamstring in training for Ipswich Town last Friday.

Smith has been in contact with All Whites coach Anthony Hudson following a scan in England, and his length of recovery could be up to six weeks.

He will be replaced in the All Whites squad by defensive midfielder / centre back James Musa.

"We are disappointed to lose a player of Tommy's experience and quality ahead of two very important games," said Hudson. "Tommy was great at the Confederations Cup and I know he was really looking forward to coming home and being a part of these important games. But if we are able to get through these qualifiers then he still has time get fit again and be back in consideration for the Intercontinental Playoff in November."

Hudson said Smith's injury presented a great opportunity for Musa. The 25-year-old, who has played one international for the All Whites in 2014, recently signed for Sporting Kansas City in the MLS. The All Whites coach said they have been watching him for some time.

"James is a good player, he's been in our environment before and we've been keeping track of him since then," said Hudson. "He's been in touch with me for a long time, we met on our tour of the States and he's always shown a lot desire to be given a chance and his patience has now paid off. He's strong, very comfortable on the ball and can play at the back and as a holding midfielder. Making his debut in the MLS last weekend was nothing more than he deserves."

The All Whites assemble in Auckland from 27 August to begin preparing for their first game against the Solomon Islands at QBE Stadium on 1 September.

The winner of the OFC Final Playoff will meet the fifth-ranked South American side in the Intercontinental Playoff in November.

All Whites Squad for the World Cup Qualifier against Solomon Islands in September:

Kosta BARBAROUSES Melbourne Victory, Australia, 42 (3)
Myer BEVAN Vancouver Whitecaps, Canada, 0 (0)
Michael BOXALL Minnesota United, USA, 27 (0)
Kip COLVEY San Jose Earthquakes, USA, 11 (0)
Tom DOYLE Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand, 6 (0)
Andrew DURANTE Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand, 20 (0)
Dane INGHAM Brisbane Roar, Australia, 4 (0)
Stefan MARINOVIC Vancouver Whitecaps, Canada, 19 (0)
Michael McGLINCHEY Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand, 48 (4)
James MUSA Sporting Kansas City, USA, 1 (0)
Glen MOSS Newcastle Jets, Australia, 29 (0)
Monty PATTERSON Ipswich Town, England, 13 (1)
Winston REID West Ham United, England, 21 (1)
Marco ROJAS SC Heerenveen, Netherlands, 37 (5)
Storm ROUX Central Coast Mariners, Australia, 7 (0)
Oliver SAIL Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand, 0 (0)
Shane SMELTZ Borneo, Indonesia, 57 (24)
Ryan THOMAS PEC Zwolle, Netherlands, 14 (2)
Themi TZIMOPOULOS PAS Giannina, Greece, 11 (1)
Chris WOOD Leeds United, England, 52 (20)
Deklan WYNNE Vancouver Whitecaps, Canada, 11 (0)

OFC Final Stage - FIFA World Cup Qualifier
New Zealand v Solomon Islands
QBE Stadium, Auckland
Friday 1 September
Kick-off: 7.35pm (local time)

Solomon Islands v New Zealand
Lawson Tama Stadium, Honiara
Tuesday 5 September
Kick-off: 2pm (local time)