Soccer: Herbert buoyed by return

Ryan Nelsen. Photo / Ross Setford

While Ryan Nelsen's transfer to Tottenham Hotspur has Kiwi football fans abuzz, All Whites coach Ricki Herbert is more excited at the prospect of seeing his skipper back in action on the pitch.

Having struggled with a knee injury over the past 12 months, Nelson (34) hasn't turned out for the national team since the 1-1 draw with Honduras in October 2010.

But an immediate result of his free transfer from Blackburn Rovers to Spurs seems to be a return to the field - he's in the squad of his new team against Liverpool on Tuesday morning (NZ time). For Herbert, that's a firm indication he'll be available for the All Whites' friendly hit-out against Jamaica at Mt Smart Stadium on February 29.

"If he can play some fixtures now and over the next couple of weeks, that's fantastic," he confirmed. "Let's wait and see if he hits the pitch on Tuesday and continues to play. If that happens, there's a very good chance of him playing for us - he'd certainly be in the team and he'd certainly be captain."

NZ Football has kept a respectful distance over the past few days as Nelsen finalised the details of his new six-month (with a right of renewal) contract. Chief executive Grant McKavanagh caught up with Nelsen during his recent visit home, but was as surprised as anyone when news of the Spurs deal broke.

"You have to remember that Ryan has spent seven-and-a-half years with Blackburn - that's a long time in the context of a career," says McKavanagh. "We talked more about when a player first arrives in the English Premier League, they have to cement their place, but as time goes on, they become more philosophical about how they can give back to their country.

"I guess this shows the New Zealand sporting public, who perhaps aren't that close to football, how much mana and respect Ryan commands internationally. This really shows the quality of the individual."

In itself, the change of scenery shouldn't affect Nelsen's availability. All White fixtures are invariably scheduled during periods set aside for international play and clubs around the world must allow players to return to their national teams.

"It wouldn't matter if the club was Real Madrid or whoever, they have an obligation to release those players," says Herbert. "But there is an understanding that players go through injury and you have to balance whether it's worth bringing them in - that's always up for discussion."

Another factor that may influence Nelsen's return is the pressure to win a regular starting spot in a more talented and deeper line-up than Rovers had to offer. A club may release the player, but in the end, the player may decide it's in his best interests to stay and consolidate his standing.

"It's really for Ryan to weigh up his personal challenges," confirms McKavanagh.

"He'll be discussing those things with management now." Herbert is waiting for the dust to settle on the move before contacting Nelsen this week.