While football coach is his main occupation, Ricki Herbert could also be classified as something of a fisherman. The All Whites boss has cast his net far and wide in trying to unearth players around the world who are eligible to play for New Zealand.
He's already tied down one who will train with his 18-man squad in the lead-up to the All Whites' game with Australia in London on June 9 and is quietly confident of convincing another, as yet un-named New Zealand-born player, who's played age-group internationals for his adopted country, to pledge his allegiance to the All Whites.
Adrian Webster, 24, was born in New Zealand before shifting to Australia as an 18-month-old baby. The box-to-box midfielder, who plays for English League Two side Darlington, is chomping at the bit to play international football.
He's so keen to be a part of the All Whites he will join the team despite the fact he's due to get married on June 10, a day after the match at Craven Cottage.
Webster began his professional career as a trainee at Premier League side Charlton in 1988 before transferring to Colchester a year later. He's also had stints at non-league sides Margate and Maidstone before joining Darlington in November 2004.
Herbert said the discovery of Webster is just the beginning in his search for players.
"We needed to think outside the square and get the best players we can to be involved in the All Whites," Herbert said.
Herbert is predominantly searching through the Australian, UK and American leagues in an attempt to uncover more overseas-based Kiwis.
* Auckland City will add goalkeeper Simon Eaddy to their squad for the Oceania Club Championships but have missed out on Che Bunce and Andy Essler.
City were keen to add as many as four players for the tournament starting in Tahiti at the end of the month but Bunce will be with the All Whites for the Australia game and former Caversham midfielder Essler will not be released by his Scottish club. But Essler could play for City next season.
Eaddy, who skippered Waitakere United, will join Napier's Chris McIvor as the only additions to the squad which won the inaugural New Zealand Football Championship in March.
- HERALD ON SUNDAY
Soccer: Impending nuptials won't stop Webster
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.