Soccer: Seatter seeking overseas fixtures for All Whites

The chances of seeing Ryan Nelsen in an All Whites shirt this year are looking more likely with a further three games against European sides on the cards.

The Blackburn Rovers defender has withdrawn from Ricki Herbert's squad to face the Socceroos in London on June 9 to rest a groin injury. But he could line up against Wales, Scotland and even Poland.

The Welsh FA has offered to play the All Whites at Wrexham on Nov 16 and New Zealand Soccer (NZS) boss Graham Seatter has sounded out his Scottish counterparts about a game on Nov 12.

Poland are due to play England in a World Cup qualifier on Oct 12 and has asked NZS about whether the All Whites would be keen for a game on Oct 8.

All three games fit in the Fifa window meaning players in the English Premier League would receive time off from their clubs to play for their countries, improving the playing chances of Nelsen and other English-based players.

Seatter is travelling to the UK next week for the Australia game and will meet the Welsh and Scottish FAs. He's keen to establish regular fixtures with the two, along with Northern Ireland, in November each year - the same time the All Blacks invariably tour the UK.

"My objective is to not only get the All Whites a couple more fixtures this year but also to find some more and fit them in with All Black tours," Seatter said. "It would give fans double the reason to travel."

Seatter said he'd like the All Whites to play as many as 10 games each year and is keen for some to be played in New Zealand.


- HERALD ON SUNDAY