KEY POINTS:
New Zealand will be without experienced defender Ivan Vicelich for Sunday morning's (NZ time) daunting soccer international against Wales at Wrexham.
Vicelich is out of the Racecourse Ground fixture after his Dutch first division side RKC Waalwijk sent their promotion-relegation final to a deciding third leg after beating visiting VVV Venlo 1-0 this morning.
Waalwijk will now return to Venlo on Monday, the day after 132-ranked New Zealand meet world No 75 Wales.
With captain Danny Hay, Cardiff City target Chris Killen, Blackburn Rovers skipper Ryan Nelsen, Fulham midfielder Simon Elliott, Scunthorpe United utility David Mulligan and young front-runner Jarrod Smith already scratched, All Whites coach Herbert will rue the loss of his 60-cap veteran.
"Ivan's a player with more than three times as many caps as anyone else in the squad. I think that speaks for itself, it's a massive blow." Herbert said.
"He's an integral part of our team, a strong influence who accepts the responsibility of being a senior player and encourages the players around him. It's a big, big loss."
Herbert cannot demand Vicelich's release as the Wales fixture is not being played in an official FIFA match window.
But the dual All Whites and Wellington Phoenix coach said he wouldn't have stood in Vicelich's way anyway given his proven commitment to the All Whites.
"While he's a big loss, Ivan's in the football industry at a critical time for his club who are going into a one-off game looking for survival in the top league. What do you?"
Herbert was due to announce his starting 11 later today.
Meanwhile, Wales are poised to start their two premiership stars -- decorated Manchester United playmaker Ryan Giggs and feisty Liverpool marksman Craig Bellamy.
- NZPA
