Soccer: Reid to seek advice on whether to play for NZ

New Zealand All Whites defender Winston Reid. Photo / Brett Phibbs

New Zealand defender Winston Reid will consult fellow-All White Ryan Nelsen and West Ham coach Avram Grant before making himself available for the international soccer friendlies against Honduras and Paraguay in October.

Reid's availability became a hot topic after New Zealand captain Nelsen suggested the young defender may be better served declining national duty to cement his starting status at English Premier League club West Ham.

The club has given Reid clearance to return home for the matches on October 9 and 12 and he said he was keen to make the trip.

However, he will talk to those he respects before making a final decision, including experienced Blackburn defender Nelsen.

"One of these days I'll get hold of Nels and have a chat with him about it," Reid told Radio Sport.

"Obviously he's got experience. He's probably been in the same situation that I am right now.

"He's a wise guy, he knows a lot so I'll give him a buzz at some stage," he said.

"I'll have a chat with Avram as well and see what he thinks might be best for me to do."

Nelsen's advice will be fascinating, having publicly declared the 22-year-old would be best served remaining in England.

"Winston Reid will be a better player playing week in and week out in the Premier League rather than risking his position for a friendly," he said.

"New Zealand Football [NZF] probably didn't want me to say that but you've got to look at the bigger picture."

Reid had barely been heard of in New Zealand before being plucked from Danish club football for the All Whites' squad to compete at this year's World Cup.

His status grew when he scored a late equalising goal in their first pool match against Slovakia,

The 22-year-old said his strong preference was to return for the twin friendlies.

"I chose to play for New Zealand and represent my country so I want to do that as much as possible.

"For now it's looking pretty positive," he said.

"If I'm injured at that time ... then I'd have to look at it but I'm probably hoping to come back and play the two games.

"I think there will be a great buzz in the team and for the nation as well."

NZF chief executive Michael Glading hoped Reid would acknowledge that his career had advanced courtesy of his showings for the All Whites.

He said NZF would invoke Fifa rules which requires club teams to release players for internationals.

"If he's not released he's not eligible to play for the club for the following week so it would have a very negative impact on his West Ham career if he didn't come."

- NZPA