Soccer: Nine newcomers in All Whites

United States-based Jarrod Smith is set to step out of the shadow of his cricketing father after earning a soccer call-up for the All Whites today.

Smith, 21 and the son of former New Zealand wicketkeeper Ian Smith, is a striker with the University of West Virginia.

He is one of nine uncapped players in coach Ricki Herbert's extended 38-man squad targeting the 2010 World Cup.

The other newcomers include New Zealand Knights Jeremy Brockie and Cole Tinkler, Canterbury United midfielder Andrew Barron and Auckland City defender James Pritchett.

Also uncapped are Australian-based Cantabrian Jeff Fleming, Manawatu striker Campbell Banks, and Waitakere United goalkeeper Simon Eaddy and midfielder Craig Wylie.

Herbert indicated that some of the nine would get their chance to make their debuts in the All Whites' two fixtures against Malaysia in Christchurch and Auckland next month.

He said the time was right to blood young players such as Smith, who was was part of his New Zealand under-23 side pipped by Australia for Oceania's spot at 2004 Athens Olympics.

"Jarrod has an athletic ability we're looking for and, unless he's viewed and worked with before our World Cup qualifying campaign starts next year, we just won't know if he's up to it," Herbert said.

"He will be presented with opportunities in 2006, whether it's against Malaysia or later in the year. We can't use all the new caps against Malaysia."

Fleming, 26, is the biggest surprise in the squad. He was Canterbury United's player-of-the-year last season and is now playing in the Victoria state league for Green Gully.

Other features are recalls for Otago United playmaker Blair Scoullar and Auckland City goalkeeper Ross Nicholson.

There are also 11 European-based players, headed by Blackburn defender Ryan Nelsen, and midfielders Simon Elliott, newly signed for Fulham, and Ivan Vicelich, who is with Dutch club Roda JC.

There are seven players from the A-League, including five from the Knights, and a former Knight in defender Danny Hay, now back at his old club Perth Glory.

Herbert will name a 20-man line-up on February 7 for the internationals against Malaysia on February 19 and 23.

All Whites' 2010 World Cup squad:

Forwards - Campbell Banks (YoungHeart Manawatu), Jeremy Brockie (NZ Knights), Vaughan Coveny (Newcastle Jets), Brent Fisher Canterbury United), Neil Jones (Kuala Lumpur FC), Chris Killen (Oldham Athletic), Shane Smeltz (AFC Wimbledon), Jarrod Smith (Uni of West Virgina), Paul Urlovic (Auckland City).

Midfielders - Andrew Barron (Canterbury United), Leo Bertos (York City), Kris Bouckenhooghe (Roeselare FC/Belgium), Tim Brown (Richmond Kickers), Jeff Campbell (Hendon AFC), Jeremy Christie (NZ Knights), Raf De Gregorio (Team Wellington), Simon Elliott (Fulham FC), Jeff Fleming (Green Gully/Victoria), Noah Hickey (NZ Knights), David Mulligan (Doncaster Rovers), Blair Scoullar (Otago United), Ivan Vicelich (Roda JC), Adrian Webster (Darlington), Michael Wilson (Minnesota Thunder), Craig Wylie (Waitakere United).

Defenders - Andrew Boyens (Otago United), Che Bunce (Waikato FC), Danny Hay (Perth Glory), Tony Lochhead (New England Revolution), Ryan Nelsen (Blackburn Rovers), Steven Old (YoungHeart Manawatu/Uni St Johns), Duncan Oughton (Columbus Crew), James Pritchett (Auckland City), Cole Tinkler (NZ Knights).

Goalkeepers - Simon Eaddy (Waitakere United), Glen Moss (NZ Knights), Ross Nicholson (Auckland City), Mark Paston (St Johnstone/Scotland).

- NZPA