KEY POINTS:
Jeremy Brockie has been recalled to the All Whites as a replacement for injured Celtic striker Chris Killen ahead of home and away World Cup soccer qualifiers against New Caledonia.
With Killen requiring surgery to remove bone fragments from his knee, All Whites coach Ricky Herbert had little hesitation in calling up 20-year-old Brockie.
"Jeremy's been part of the national team before as a reflection of early identification of his ability," Herbert said today.
Brockie has scored eight goals for the New Zealand under-23 team this year, including one in their Olympic Games draw against China in Shenyang last month.
The former Knights and Sydney FC player made his All Whites debut in 2006 and won the last of his seven international caps - all as a substitute - against Venezuela last year.
Brockie boarded a hastily-arranged flight from his home town Nelson to Auckland this morning to join his All White teammates assembling in Auckland.
Blackburn Rovers captain Ryan Nelsen led a list of international arrivals from England, the United States, Canada and Australia, while Finland-based Chris James is due to arrive tomorrow.
New Zealand begin the series against New Caledonia in Noumea on Saturday.
The All Whites need a win in Noumea or in Auckland on September 10 to qualify for the 2009 Confederations Cup and earn a playoff with an as yet-to-be-determined Asian nation for a place at the 2010 World Cup.
- NZPA
