KEY POINTS:
All Whites coach Ricki Herbert will take more than a passing interest as a young Scottish footballer makes decisions about his career over the coming weeks.
Michael McGlinchey is hardly a household name in even ardent New Zealand football homes.
The 20-year-old Celtic player, who was born in Wellington, may even remain a soccer curio in this part of the world.
Then again, he could become a key part of the All Whites' plans for the Olympics, Confederations Cup and - most importantly - World Cup.
This is a case where timing and frustrated ambition may conjure something out of nothing for the All Whites.
Herbert learned of McGlinchey's New Zealand birthright thanks to a fan's email, although a visiting Scottish sports doctor also alerted New Zealand officials.
Herbert rang McGlinchey in May last year, inviting the Scottish under-20 player to join the All Whites as they prepared to play Brazil in Geneva.
McGlinchey, a shortish goalscoring midfielder and the youngest player to ever don the Celtic first team strip, declined because of commitments to a tournament.
Herbert was to ring McGlinchey this week, and will also contact 19-year-old New Zealand-born defender Winston Reid who plays in Denmark.
McGlinchey, speaking to the Herald from Glasgow, said he was definitely interested in accepting the All Whites' approach.
Frustrated at not being able to break into Celtic's top side, he also missed the Scotland under-21 squad to play the Czech Republic next week.
"It's going to get a lot harder for me at under-21 level because there are a lot of other boys playing first team football," he said.
"I talked to Ricki Herbert for half an hour last year and he knows that it would be a hard decision. But there's a big chance I will do it.
"If I'm not involved with the Scotland under-21s I'll have to think seriously about this."
Herbert said: "We'd love to have him for the All Whites.
"It's my responsibility to get the best possible players. We're known for defenders and we're now getting better players in attacking areas.
"We realise he would like to play for Scotland first and it's not about pressuring him."
McGlinchey turns 21 in January when his international allegiance must be decided, although he was unsure of the rules.
New Zealand Football would like to start preparing his case for a switch soon, in time for Fifa's October meeting. McGlinchey could even play Oceania matches in November, during a Fifa window.
What are the lures? McGlinchey would face a much easier path into the All Whites lineup compared to Scotland's.
And New Zealand may have a better chance of making the 2010 World Cup finals than Scotland, who must fight for one of 13 places among 53 teams in the hotbed of European football.
New Zealand are Oceania favourites since Australia's departure, and would then face the fifth team from Asia - a tempting proposition.
Whatever the outcome, McGlinchey's is an intriguing story about top-level football and the possibilities open to the All Whites, who are also eyeing up new New Zealanders as prospects.
McGlinchey's father Norrie, a Celtic youth product, came to New Zealand to play for Stop Out and moved on to become top scorer for Hutt Valley United in the 1987 national league.
Ironically his favourite memories are victories against Mt Wellington which involved playing against 1982 World Cup finals defender Herbert.
Michael McGlinchey says: "My dad loved it in New Zealand and he's still got friends there. He didn't want to come home but mum was a bit homesick.
"He always says he came up against this guy who had played in the World Cup, and he got right up for it and ripped him to shreds - but I'm not sure if I believe him."
The family returned to Scotland when McGlinchey was one. At nine, he entered the Celtic system. Despite a string of junior trophies and Scottish age-grade representation, his career has stalled.
At 15 years and 272 days, he played a testimonial for Celtic under Martin O'Neill, rubbing shoulders with stars like Henrik Larsson and Neil Lennon.
Current coach Gordon Strachan used him as a substitute in a league match against Livingstone two years ago - his only first team appearance.
"It was one-all and I thought they would put an experienced player on," he says.
"I had only warmed up for two minutes and I was on. A minute and a half in, I got a great chance to score and put it past the post. I wish it had come to me when I had settled in.
"I was on the bench a couple more times including at Ibrox against Rangers and everything was going smoothly.
"The next week, I was back in the reserves and wasn't sure what I'd done wrong. They don't tell you - they see it as character building, see how you react.
"I'm desperate to be recognised as a good professional footballer."
Those ahead of him on the Celtic bench include All White Chris Killen, a surprise Strachan signing. McGlinchey is now seeking a club to join on loan.
"Celtic made the last 16 of the Champions League last season and they've got so much money they can just go and buy players," he says.
"It's very frustrating. Nothing you do ever seems good enough. Boys at other clubs we've beaten at youth level are all getting pushed into first teams. We've won the reserve title for the past six years and people are wondering why we don't get a chance."
McGlinchey played a big part in the Scotland under-19s who lost last year's European final to Spain.
But he had a frustrating time with the under-20 side at the World Cup in Canada this year, getting limited opportunities and breaking a hand.
Herbert has had glowing scouting reports about McGlinchey.
The All Whites have already scored the services of another goalscoring midfielder, the 20-year-old New Zealand-born England age-group international Chris James, who made his All Whites debut against Brazil.
McGlinchey says: "My family need to sit down and talk about it and be realistic. Am I ever going to play for Scotland?
"I probably will choose the All Whites opportunity, although I'm really not too sure right now."
