Soccer: Wood to miss out on Cup

Chris Wood. Photo / Mark Mitchell

New Zealand's chances at this month's under-20 World Cup suffered a significant setback with news Chris Wood won't be released by his club side for the tournament.

Wood had recently expressed his interest in playing in Colombia but left the decision up to his club West Bromwich Albion. They have told coach Chris Milicich they won't be releasing Wood.

It's a bitter-sweet situation because, although he will miss out on another World Cup, it's an indication Wood is in the frame to play for the first team in this year's Premiership. "They want Chris to undertake a full pre-season with West Brom, which indicates pretty strongly they're viewing him for the first team," Milicich said.

"There's nothing I can do about it and it's a good thing for Chris."

It's not nearly as positive for the Junior All Whites. They have a good side but are lacking a striker of Wood's quality and experience.

New Zealand Football suggested a handful of options to West Brom, including releasing Wood only five days before their first game against Cameroon, but the club were unwilling. It has to be hoped Wood is close to first team selection because at least three quality games in Colombia would be better for match fitness than sporadic appearances off the bench.

The Premier League season kicks off eight days after the Junior All Whites' last pool game against Uruguay on August 5.

The 21-man World Cup squad will be named tomorrow and will feature a number of changes from the squad which secured qualification in May.

Under-17 striker Tim Payne and goalkeeper Scott Basalaj will play in their second World Cup in six weeks, while Blackburn midfielder Cameron Lindsay and Waitakere United striker Sean Lovemore will also get the call-up.

"It's a strong squad and it will perform for New Zealand," Milicich said.

"We have tried to produce players who have the potential to kick on to the under-23s and All Whites."