Soccer: All Stars have dangerous look

Seule Soromon. Photo / Wairarapa Times-Age

A bevy of strikers and attack-minded midfielders has given a dangerous look to the NZFC All Stars named yesterday to play New Zealand A at the end of the All Whites' domestic camp in Auckland on Sunday.

Co-coaches Paul Posa and Neil Emblen named five strikers including Manawatu's golden boot winner Seule Soromon, former All Whites Brent Fisher from Waitakere United and Team Wellington's one-cap international Greg Draper.

Canterbury United's Russell Kamo and Otago United's Andy Coburn ensure the South Island striking stocks are well represented, and there is an attacking edge within the midfield ranks where recent All Whites Chad Coombes, Jason Hayne (both Auckland City) and Allan Pearce (Waitakere) are joined by exciting Canterbury prospect Tom Lancaster.

The match is shaping as the last chance for players on both sides to impress All Whites coach Ricki Herbert as he looks to fill the remaining spaces in his World Cup squad of 23 for South Africa.

All Stars Hayne and Coombes, who may play as a fullback, appear the most likely to force their way in with strong performances. But there are plenty of NZ A players, including Aaron Scott and James Pritchett who were drafted into the camp, with points to prove.

With Herbert declaring "four or five" spots were still available for players making a case for inclusion in his World Cup squad, Emblen thought the North Harbour Stadium match was a great way for candidates to make their closing statement.

"It's exciting for everybody. It's a great concept and good for both camps," Emblen said.

"It says the All Whites squad is not finalised and there's still some spots up for grabs if someone makes a late run.

"There's some lads training with the All Whites at the moment and some guys who have been in recent squads but will be with the All Stars. Ricki's casting his eye over everyone and asking them all who wants it most."

The All Stars squad also has an eye on the future, with Ian Hogg, Tim Myers and Adam McGeorge all eligible for the 2012 Olympic campaign.

Benjamin Totori and Roy Krishna of Waitakere were unavailable for selection, returning to the Solomon Islands and Fiji respectively after their NZFC and O-League seasons.

NZFC All Stars

* Goalkeepers: James Bannatyne (Team Wellington), Jacob Spoonley (Auckland City).

* Defenders: Chad Coombes (Auckland City), Adam Cowan (YoungHeart Manawatu), Ian Hogg (Auckland City), Tim Myers (Waitakere United), Jason Rowley (Waitakere United).

* Midfielders: George Barbarouses (Hawkes Bay United), Jake Butler (Waitakere United), Jason Hayne (Auckland City), Tom Lancaster (Canterbury United), Adam McGeorge (Auckland City), Allan Pearce (Waitakere United).

* Forwards: Andy Coburn (Otago United), Greg Draper (Team Wellington), Brent Fisher (Waitakere United), Russell Kamo (Canterbury United), Seule Soromon (YoungHeart Manawatu).

* New Zealand A (from): Mark Paston, Glen Moss, Aaron Scott, James Pritchett, Tony Lochhead, Dave Mulligan, Ben Sigmund, Ivan Vicelich, Andy Barron, Leo Bertos, Jeremy Brockie, Tim Brown, Aaron Clapham, Cole Peverley, Costa Barbarouses, Shane Smeltz.

- NZPA