Soccer: Brown's shoulder to be operated on tomorrow

Injured All White Tim Brown. Photo / NZPA

All Whites midfielder Tim Brown will undergo surgery on his injured shoulder in Auckland tomorrow in a bid to keep alive his dream of playing in next month's soccer World Cup in South Africa.

The All Whites vice-captain fractured his humerus in a challenge with Australian midfielder Vince Grella in New Zealand's 2-1 defeat at Melbourne on Monday.

New Zealand Football said in a statement today Brown would need a few days to recover after surgery.

In the meantime, the player was not available for comment.

However, NZF said he wanted to thank all of the people who have sent personal messages, which were overwhelming and very much appreciated.

Brown had said last night on his return to Auckland before heading for his medical appointment that his presence at the World Cup starting on June 12 had been rated at "50-50".

"I'm trying to be real positive about that at the moment," he said.

"But there's also the chance I won't be able to go. If that's the case, I'll put my hand up straight away and someone else can take my place. I'm not going to muck anyone around."

Brown, 29, who has been capped 25 times, said he was taken aback by the "amazing" support he had received from his team-mates, with plenty of texts and other messages constantly arriving.

The All Whites have headed to Europe for two further friendly matches.

If Brown does not make the World Cup, he will be a significant loss for coach Ricki Herbert as the All Whites prepare for their opener against Slovakia on June 15.

Herbert said Brown would be given every opportunity to rejoin the squad, but the time needed for rehabilitation could rule that out.

Wellington midfielder Cole Peverley, one of seven players on stand-by to cover injuries to the 23-man squad, is the likely replacement should Brown be ruled out.

- NZPA