Soccer: All White chance for rookie

Adrian Webster is probably walking around the All Whites hotel London now pinching himself.

What was shaping as the biggest week in his life got a whole lot bigger when he was yesterday named to start in the New Zealand team for the one-off international against Australia at Fulham's Craven Cottage ground tomorrow morning.

New Zealand-born, but Australian raised, Webster was unknown in New Zealand soccer circles until a few weeks ago when, sight unseen, he was asked if he would be interested in joining the All Whites to train as a player outside the squad for tomorrow's friendly. As Ricki Herbert's first-choice squad slowly unravelled, with five players crying off, Webster was elevated to the 18-man match squad.

Yesterday, as that initial selection fell further away with midfielder Raf de Gregorio forced out with a hamstring injury, Webster found himself being handed his first cap. He was the only newcomer in a largely inexperienced squad.

But Webster, 24, will have little time to reflect as he heads to the altar on Saturday (NZ time) for his wedding. He can also reflect on just being handed a new three-year contract by his English club Darlington.

Herbert said last night: "He got a call out of the blue and has shown right from the start he is both a professional and a very passionate player who wants to play at this level. Already, we see him as playing a long term role in the side."

Elsewhere, the selections, especially given the loss of so many players who would normally be regarded as first off the block, were predictable.

Danny Hay, who last played internationally at the 2003 Confederations Cup against France before turning his back on the game at that level, returns to lead the side. He and Che Bunce, also 29, form an experienced duo at the centre of the defence. They are joined at the back by US-based Steven Old, 19, and Michael Wilson, 24, in a four-man unit who can expect a busy night in coping with the Socceroos attack.

With 71 caps, Vaughan Coveny, 33, has played almost 50 more internationals than Bunce, the next most experienced player, who has 23 caps. Coveny goes into the match equal with Jock Newall as the leading goal-scorer for New Zealand. By adding a goal to his 28, Australian-based Coveny would head that list.

Herbert remains unfazed heading into his first assignment.

"It is a tall order for sure. But we have 17 players who want to play."

While not accepting that the $1.50 the TAB was offering for an Australia win was good money, Herbert suggested the $3.50 offered for the draw might be worth a look.

The one-off international

* New Zealand v Australia, Craven Cottage, London.

* Kick-off: 6.45am (NZ time) tomorrow, live Sky Sport 1 (replay 10pm SS3).

All Whites: Goalkeeper: Mark Paston (uncontracted) 28 years 8 caps. Defenders: Michael Wilson (Minnesota Thunder) 24, 5, Che Bunce (Tauranga City) 29, 23, Danny Hay (NZ Knights) capt 29, 21, Steven Old (St John's University) 19, 4. Midfield: David Mulligan (Doncaster Rovers) 23, 11, Tim Brown (Richmond Kickers) 24, 1, Brent Fisher (FC Energie Cottbus) 21, 7. Strikers: Noah Hickey (Eastern Suburbs) 27, 23. Vaughan Coveny (South Melbourne) 33, 71, Adrian Webster (Darlington) 24, 0. Substitutes: Glen Moss (NZ Knights) 22, 0, Jeremy Christie (Gisborne) 22, 0, Craig Wylie (Waitakere City), Leo Bertos (uncontracted) 23, 6, Neil Jones (East Coast Bays) 23, 1, Shane Smeltz (AFC Wimbledon).