Soccer: Smith debut and goalie comes in from the cold

Jarrod Smith starts in midfield. Picture / Herald On Sunday

A first start for Jarrod Smith and a return to international duty after five years for goalkeeper Ross Nicholson are the features of Ricki Herbert's All Whites to play Estonia in the capital, Tallinn, tomorrow morning.

Smith, the son of former New Zealand cricketer Ian, gets his big chance in running out with the 118-ranked All Whites for the first time.

He has played off the bench against Malaysia, Hungary and Georgia.

Ian Smith said on learning of his son's start that "we've been thrilled with his progress".

"Both times, against Malaysia and on this tour, he has been called in when Simon Elliott has pulled out."

Asked about Jarrod's role as being "son of" Smith said "he is not into that".

"He is so far away from that. It is a different field and a different capacity, it is a good thing he chose another sport. Cairnsey [Chris Cairns] would tell you all about that."

Herbert is using the third game of his four-match European tour as a last chance to assess his players before naming the side to play Brazil on Monday in Geneva.

He has rung the changes with six players who did not start in the win over Georgia on Monday in the starting XI for the match at the Le Coq Arena. Herbert knows this will be no easy task, given Estonia's 1-1 draw with Turkey in Germany three days ago. Turkey, at 14, are the highest ranked country on Fifa's latest list who are not heading to the World Cup. Estonia are ranked 77.

"It won't be easy, but nothing here is," said Herbert. "We expect they will play a different style than Georgia.

"For that reason we have gone back to the formation we used against Hungary as we don't expect they will be as attacking as Georgia."

Defensively there are changes, with Che Bunce partnering captain Danny Hay centrally and Kris Bouckenooghe and Michael Wilson taking the fullback berths.

Ivan Vicelich will again take a central role in front of the back four.

Nicholson, who last played in Auckland City's Oceania club championship triumph 10 days ago, gets his chance in goal. He played the last of his 13 games for the national side in 2001.

"While Glen Moss has been outstanding, we felt we had to give Ross his chance," said Herbert. "We have to make a decision on him and we can't do that if we don't see him play at this level."

Herbert said that although a result against Estonia was important, the players had their sights set on getting a start against Brazil. "We understand that. But at the same time we know the players know a good performance against Estonia could lead to their longevity with the national team."

All Whites squad to play Estonia
(3am tomorrow)

Ross Nicholson, Kris Bouckenooghe, Che Bunce, Danny Hay, Michael Wilson, Ivan Vicelich, Jarrod Smith, Raf de Gregorio, David Mulligan, Adrian Webster, Chris Killen. Substitutes: Glen Moss, Noah Hickey, Steven Old, Jeremy Christie, Andy Barron, Leo Bertos, Jeremy Brockie, Vaughan Coveny. Not considered: Tim Brown (hamstring).