Soccer: Injured All White Brown raring to go

Tim Brown feels positive about his chances. Photo / Brett Phibbs

All Whites vice-captain Tim Brown is expected to leave hospital today following surgery to a shoulder injury threatening his World Cup place.

Brown suffered a fracture to the upper arm in the 2-1 friendly defeat to Australia in Melbourne on Monday.

Three screws were inserted into the bone during an operation at the Auckland Surgical Centre.

Before he leaves hospital, he is to speak to the media about his injury, the surgery and his desire to remain part of the All Whites campaign.

The midfielder will also reveal what the next step is in his rehabilitation as he battles to be fit for the All Whites' first World Cup game against Slovakia on June 16 (NZT) - 18 days away.

The deadline for naming replacements in the All Whites' 23-man World Cup squad is June 14.

Brown is understood to be feeling positive about his chances following the successful surgery.

NZ Football said initial indications were that the operation went well but it was too early to predict what the recovery time would be.

The injury opens a spot in the midfield which could be filled by Canterbury United player Aaron Clapham, though he didn't think he would be a straight swap for him.

"Brownie's a great player," said Clapham. "Hopefully he can recover quickly and get back in the fold here."

- NZPA