Soccer: Hard work pays off for buoyed Boyd

Tyler Boyd. Photo / Getty Images

Learning to listen is paying off for Tyler Boyd.

The Wellington Phoenix forward has enjoyed a prosperous stretch of form for the resurgent A-League side and his good work was acknowledged on Tuesday when he was named in an 18-strong All Whites side to meet Japan in an international friendly in Tokyo next month.

Boyd made a good fist of his cameo appearances from the bench as the Phoenix broke out of their winless trot during the Christmas and New Year period. He has now started the last four games.

Boyd's goals and assists may have dried up since he was given a starting berth but he has continued to do enough to keep Jeremy Brockie out of the first XI.

Given Boyd only turned 19 in late December, time is on his side and he has matured since making his A-League debut as a 17-year-old last summer.

New Phoenix coach Ernie Merrick clearly had some messages for Boyd and the youngster has taken them on board.

"I think if you listen to the coach and just work hard in training and try as hard as you can, you'll get benefits out of that," Boyd said.

"I've matured as a player as well and maybe even as a person, just growing in age. But I've learned a lot from [Merrick] and I've just tried to take everything he's teaching me and put it into my game."

Boyd's ability to run at defenders and use his pace are key features of what he can provide and while he doesn't have a prodigious goal-scoring record, you get the feeling he will add to that figure in the future.

There was speculation Boyd, a New Zealand under-20 representative, might pledge allegiance to the United States, given he grew up there, but it appears playing for the All Whites held sway.

"There's no doubt in my mind, it's my country," he said of New Zealand. "I'm proud to represent it and it's an honour to be chosen for the squad [to play in Japan] ... so I'm happy."

When the All Whites get together, Boyd will also link up with childhood friend Ryan Thomas, 19, who plays for Dutch first-division outfit PEC Zwolle. The pair speak regularly and could both make their senior international debuts in Japan.

There's often a story behind how a player finds out they've made a national sports team, and Boyd has his own somewhat unique tale.

After Wellington's 3-2 win over the Newcastle Jets across the Tasman last Sunday, Boyd checked his phone, only to find good news from interim coach Neil Emblen.

"Basically, I just got a text from Neil Emblen," Boyd said. "His family were asleep so unfortunately he couldn't call me because of the time difference in Australia. So after the game he gave me a text and I was really happy."

Meanwhile, Phoenix midfielder Albert Riera will remain on the sidelines for Sunday's game against the Melbourne Heart at Westpac Stadium.

The Spaniard has a suspected groin muscle tear and will have scans to determine the extent of his injury.