"I have been through a lot of emotions," Durante said. "Being picked in the squad was fantastic and I was really excited about all that and then not being able to play was frustrating.
"I was so close to being a part of that game and to find out that Fifa wouldn't give a definite answer on my eligibility was frustrating. But I guess now hopefully I can play on Tuesday and then it can all be sorted.
"It seems like [a challenge] is the only option. I have to play and then Fifa will have to look at it and there will a decision either way. It's quite strange it has to be done this way but, if this is how it has to be done, I just have to live with it."
The only area of concern centres on the three-month period Durante spent with Sydney FC in 2011 on a short-term contract to help them with their Asian Champions League campaign. This, on top of the time he spent away from New Zealand with the Phoenix, could be an issue although NZF are comfortable Durante still passes the criteria.
The Wellington Phoenix captain will start against the Solomon Islands and, even though he is yet to be capped, will be one of the side's more experienced players.
Herbert has made multiple changes, sending the majority of his first-choice side back to their clubs. It also allows him to manage the yellow card situation, with 11 players one caution from a suspension for November's playoffs.
Of those 11, only Leo Bertos, Jeremy Brockie and Ian Hogg have travelled to Honiara but Bertos and Brockie will both start on the bench.
Luke Rowe is likely to slot in at left midfield and Cameron Lindsay on the right in a 4-4-2 formation, with Tim Payne playing in behind Kosta Barbarouses up front.
Durante is a candidate to captain the side and feels comfortable in the All Whites environment.
"I know most of the players and I have known Ricki for a long time so it helps a lot," he said. "I'm fully committed to New Zealand now and this is the country I represent."
The All Whites have a tradition that all new players sing a song when they enter camp. Durante chose Dave Dobbyn's Slice of Heaven because he wanted to perform a "Kiwi" song and didn't know too many others.
It hasn't been a heavenly introduction to the All Whites squad for Durante so far. He will hope that comes in November with World Cup qualification.
New Zealand side to play the Solomon Islands in Honiara, Solomon Islands, on Tuesday (5pm NZT): (Likely - 4-4-2): Spoonley; Scott, Sigmund, Durante, Hogg; Lindsay, Keat, Clapham, Rowe; Payne, Barbarouses. Subs: Paston, Bertos, Brockie.
