Ivan Vicelich will join a very select group of players to play in three Confederations Cup tournaments after answering an SOS from All Whites coach Ricki Herbert.
Vicelich, 31, retired from international football in 2007 but yesterday agreed to join the team as a replacement for injured captain Ryan Nelsen. And, according to Herbert, there are likely to be ongoing discussions about Vicelich's involvement in crucial World Cup matches later in the year.
"It is great news that Ivan has made himself available," said Herbert. "I think by agreeing to come into the team now, he is opening the door.
"I respect his decision to retire when he did but we have now agreed to leave further lines of communication open. He understands how important this year is to New Zealand football."
Vicelich will be the only player in the New Zealand team to line up for a third Confederations Cup after playing in Mexico in 1999 and France four years later. Nelsen was the only other player in the current squad to have played in Mexico.
Vicelich is joined in South Africa by Duncan Oughton, David Mulligan, Simon Elliott, Chris Killen, Shane Smeltz and Mark Paston of the players who were in France six years ago.
And it seems likely Vicelich, who played the last of his 63 internationals in the 4-1 win over Vanuatu in November 2007, will find himself leading the team on occasions. Tim Brown will step up to replace Nelsen as captain but Herbert strongly hinted that Vicelich will be considered for the role in Brown's absence.
"My initial reaction was one of surprise," said Vicelich last night. "I certainly was not expecting an SOS from Ricki Herbert but, of course, I feel honoured to be asked.
"Fitness-wise it will not be a problem as we had such a good season with Auckland City and I was playing up until two or three weeks ago ... so it will not be a problem stepping up."
Soccer: Vicelich comes out of retirement to bolster All Whites Cup side
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