Soccer: Elliott still under a cloud

A decision on Simon Elliott's fitness for the crucial World Cup playoff with Bahrain will be made after the All Whites' final training tonight.

The 35-year-old midfielder has been struggling with a hip injury since arriving in New Zealand last week and is a serious doubt for the match.

He hasn't completed a full training session with the side all week and needs to come through tonight's training at the Westpac Stadium to be a consideration.

Former Scottish youth international Michael McGlinchey, who was impressive coming off the bench for the final 20 minutes of the 0-0 draw in the first leg of the playoff, would start in Elliott's place.

McGlinchey offers more in terms of creativity but Elliott is a calming influence in the middle of the park and was one of New Zealand's better players at June's Confederations Cup.

The game, which will be played in front of a sellout crowd of close to 36,000, kicks off at 8pm tomorrow night.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY