Football Ferns name unchanged squad for tri-series

Football Ferns coach Tony Readings has named an unchanged squad for next month's tri-series involving Korea and Australia in Auckland. Photo / Getty Images.

Football Ferns coach Tony Readings has named an unchanged squad for next month's tri-series involving Korea and Australia in Auckland.

After claiming a win and a draw against 16th-ranked Denmark in Turkey last week, Readings has opted for the same mix of players with only under-20 internationals Daisy Cleverley and CJ Bott dropping out of the named squad. They will still train with the group in Auckland.

Readings said the continuity of team selection was a key factor in the success of the side over a prolonged period.

"It's really encouraging for us if we look back about 12 months ago when we went to China and Cyprus at the same time last year," Readings said.

"We had a lot of key players missing and it's something we can ill afford to do. We've got a really strong depth in our squad and as soon as you remove two or three of those top players, then the continuity goes in the team.

"A lot of the success in the last few years has been based on that core group of players that have been together now for a long time so it's great to be able to name the same squad and long may that continue through to the World Cup."

Facing two sides in the world's top 10 in a short space of time helps the Football Ferns replicate what they'll face in Canada in June with both teams set to test Readings' side in different ways.

"It's good for us because it represents tournament play for us, similar to when we played France and Norway in November," Readings said.

"Australia we're very familiar with; [they're] very strong physically, can play good football through the thirds and are also very effective playing a little more direct from set plays.

"Korea DPR, we've played many teams like this, they develop football very well through the thirds. It's a team we're going to need to make sure we disrupt as much as we can."

In what will be their final outing at home before completing their World Cup preparations overseas, Readings said the team was looking forward to the series.

"Being at home is something that's always special for us. It's going to be a really special week and they'll be three games of top quality football that we hope people will enjoy.

"It's an opportunity for us to put on a show and take some real steps forward as we edge closer towards the World Cup."

After scoring her 11th international goal in the win over Denmark, fullback Ria Percival will become the second New Zealander - following Football Ferns captain Abby Erceg - to register 100 games for her country in her next match.

Football Ferns:
Goalkeepers: Cushla Lichtwark, Erin Nayler
Defenders: Katie Bowen, Abby Erceg, Meikayla Moore, Ria Percival, Ali Riley, Rebekah Stott
Midfielders: Hayley Bowden, Betsy Hassett, Katie Hoyle, Annalie Longo, Kirsty Yallop
Forwards: Helen Collins, Sarah Gregorius, Amber Hearn, Rosie White, Hannah Wilkinson