Soccer: All Whites duo to debut

Michael Boxall in action for the New Zealand u-23s against Australia. Photo / Getty Images

Young defenders Michael Boxall and Michael Fitzgerald have been handed unfamiliar roles in the starting lineup for the New Zealand men's football team's international friendly against Mexico in Denver tomorrow (NZT)

Boxall, normally a right-sided central defender, will line up as a right wingback with Fitzgerald, who filled that position in the second half in the 1-1 draw with China in March, swapping flanks to play at left wingback.

Boxall, who plays for the Vancouver Whitecaps in the Major League Soccer competition, was comfortable with the positional shift after filling in occasionally in that role for the Olympic team in 2008.

"It's always a big honour to get your first start for your national team and to be honest I don't really care what position it is," Boxall said.

"I'm just going to go out there and do the best I can. I'm sure good things will come from it. I have faith in my team mates and they have faith in me and we'll just go out there and do a job."

Coach Ricki Herbert has also opted to give Kosta Barbarouses his second start for the national team with the Brisbane Roar striker set to play in behind Shane Smeltz and Chris Wood up front.

Wellington Phoenix's Tim Brown is expected to captain the side from central midfield, where he will partner 36-year-old Simon Elliott who has been getting game time with Chivas USA in the MLS.

At the back, New Zealand's most capped player Ivan Vicelich anchors a defensive trio with West Ham's Winston Reid and Andrew Boyens on either side of him.

Herbert said he was using the match against Mexico to test players at international level, but was aware of the need to keep some players fresh for the game against Australia in Adelaide on Sunday.

"The group is quite depleted. It's probably the most difficult position we've been in terms of players missing.

"The priority is to give these players exposure at this level, and they are going to get it.

"We know a lot about Chris (Killen) and Jeremy (Brockie) and we're starting to know a little bit more about Michael (McGlinchey). Those three will probably play a more major role in the Australia game on Sunday.

"Somewhere along the line, Michael Boxall needs exposure at this level and Michael Fitzgerald the same, while Kosta adds an exciting element."

Mjallby midfielder Craig Henderson, who has a hamstring strain, was not considered for selection.

Team: Glen Moss, Winston Reid, Ivan Vicelich, Simon Elliott, Tim Brown, Shane Smeltz, Kosta Barbarouses, Michael Fitzgerald, Andrew Boyens, Michael Boxall, Chris Wood. Substitutes: Ben Sigmund, Chris Killen, Mark Paston, Michael McGlinchey, Aaron Clapham, Jake Gleeson, Jeremy Brockie, David Mulligan.

nzherald.co.nz will have live updates of the All Whites clash with Mexico from 2pm tomorrow.

- NZPA