Soccer: Rojas released for Olympic bid

Marco Rojas. Photo / Getty Images

Melbourne Victory and All Whites attacking midfielder Marco Rojas will be the headline act when the New Zealand under-23 team attempt to qualify for London at the Oceania Olympic qualifiers starting in Taupo this week.

Rojas will be released by the Victory after Friday night's home A-League clash with the Wellington Phoenix - Rojas' former club.

With the Melbourne side now out of contention for a play-off spot, Olywhites coach Neil Emblen sought to have Rojas released and yesterday received the good news.

Rojas, who will miss Friday's opener against Papua New Guinea, joins another current All White, goalkeeper Jake Gleeson, in the 20-strong squad.

Also named are Welsh-based professional Greg Draper and Auckland City's Ian Hogg who played at the Beijing Olympics four years ago.

Draper, playing for The New Saints in Wales, has scored 20 goals this season and is keen to impress to enhance his claims for a second All Whites cap after his debut in late 2008.

Hogg, just back from trials in Europe, played every minute at those Games.