Soccer: Reid keen to play for NZ

Classy Denmark-based defender Winston Reid is the latest recruit to the All Whites World Cup cause.

TV3 journalist Andrew Gourdie is being credited with playing a pivotal role in Reid's belated World Cup decision to turn his back on an international future with Denmark and become eligible for New Zealand.

"Andrew Gourdie played a part - I guess you could say he brokered it," said New Zealand Football chief executive Michael Glading.

Gourdie sparked Reid's new interest in being an All White by contacting him through Facebook. Reid had previously said he would stick with Denmark.

There is no doubt about the 1.9m Reid's ability and his potential to bolster the Ricki Herbert-coached All Whites' World Cup prospects.

A defensive line built around Ryan Nelsen, Ivan Vicelich, Tommy Smith and Reid is a highly promising proposition, although there is also a suggestion Reid might be considered for a defensive midfield job where stand-in captain Tim Brown has been used.

Reid plays for FC Midtjylland in the top Danish division. Even more significantly, Italian Serie A sides Palermo, Sampdoria and Fiorentina are reported to be interested in Reid, who can play in a central defensive role or on the right.

That is a measure of his worth - Italian football certainly knows a thing or two about quality defenders.

The Auckland-born Reid, 21, who left New Zealand when aged 10, has played 10 matches for the Denmark under-21s.

Glading said there should be no problem in securing his allegiance through the Fifa rules.

Glading said: "Ricki has talked to him and there's no doubt about it now ... Winston wants to play for New Zealand. He has been clear about playing for Denmark in the past but he has obviously had a re-think ... from what I understand he is a fairly quiet boy and he wanted to make sure he had strong family support."

Reid is now set for a high-profile introduction to the All Whites when they play Australia in Melbourne on May 24.