Soccer: Simon says yes to the All Whites

As many as seven European-based players could turn out for the All Whites against Malaysia later this month, including Fulham's Simon Elliott.

As expected, Ryan Nelsen, Ivan Vicelich and Chris Killen are unavailable because of club commitments but Fulham have said they are willing to release Elliott depending on form and injuries at the Premiership club. Fulham will let New Zealand Soccer (NZS) know whether the 31-year-old midfielder would be available after their Premiership game against Manchester United early this morning.

David Mulligan, Adrian Webster, Leo Bertos, Tim Brown, Shane Smeltz and Tony Lochhead will all feature against Malaysia at Christchurch (February 19) and Auckland (February 23), while US-based defender Steven Old will also be named in the 20-man squad to be announced on Tuesday.

The All Whites will once again be captained by Danny Hay, despite the fact he has had limited football after he was dumped by the Knights last year.

Mark Paston and Duncan Oughton are unavailable because of injury while the involvement of veteran striker Vaughn Coveny is up in the air. He will be involved in the A-League playoffs with his Newcastle Jets side. The Jets play the second of their semifinals on February 17, meaning the 34-year-old could be involved in the Auckland international if his side fail to qualify for the final.

All Whites coach Ricki Herbert is chuffed with the quality of players available to choose from and says the squad will be "a great mix of experience, potential and young players".

NZS has agreed to play two return fixtures in Malaysia but no dates have been set.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY