KEY POINTS:
Nine All Whites have been included in the New Zealand A soccer team to play two matches against Tahiti in Auckland next month.
In what essentially serves as a final opportunity for incumbent internationals to cement a berth in All Whites coach Ricki Herbert's 25-strong squad for matches against Costa Rica and Venezuela in March, the A side take on the Pacific Islanders on February 7 and 9.
Goalkeeper Mark Paston, defenders James Pritchett and Michael Wilson, midfielders Andy Barron, Jeremy Christie and Adrian Webster and forwards Leo Bertos, Brent Fisher and Paul Urlovic were named today though Bertos' inclusion hinges on his return from Greece where he has secured a trial with premier league side Skoda Xanthi.
Several consistent performers in the New Zealand Football Championship also have the opportunity to feature on Herbert's initial plans for the 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign.
They include Manawatu trio Ian Robinson, Ian Sandbrook and Trent Watson plus Auckland City defender Ben Sigmund.
The A team also include New Zealand under-17 striker Costa Barbarouses (Team Wellington) and goalkeeper Jacob Spoonley and defender Michael Boxall who are involved in the Oceania Youth Championship in Waitakere.
A further four players -- Auckland City's Cole Tinkler and Jason Hayne plus and Sam Mathews and Daniel Ellensohn (Waitakere United) -- have been included with an eye to New Zealand's campaign to qualify for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.
"The door isn't closed on our World Cup squad," Herbert said.
"We've always maintained a side of this nature is important to support the senior team. It also allows for the development of some younger players."
Herbert expects Tahiti to push the A team hard.
"It's going to be a real challenge for our guys and tough for them but that's the only way we'll develop. There'll be a goal or two in it either way."
New Zealand A squad:
Goalkeepers: Mark Paston (New Zealand Knights), Jacob Spoonley (East Coast Bays AFC).
Defenders: James Pritchett, Cole Tinkler, Ben Sigmund, Michael Boxall (Auckland City), Trent Watson (Manawatu), Michael Wilson (Team Wellington).
Midfield: Jason Hayne (Auckland City), Sam Mathews (Waitakere United), Andrew Barron (Canterbury United), Ian Robinson, Ian Sandbrook (Manawatu), Jeremy Christie, Adrian Webster (Perth Glory).
Forwards: Leo Bertos (Perth Glory), Brent Fisher (Canterbury United), Paul Urlovic (Auckland City), Daniel Ellensohn (Waitakere United), Costa Barbarouses (Team Wellington).
Co-coaches: Colin Tuaa, Brian Turner.
Itinerary:
Feb 7 at Bill McKinley Park, Auckland
Feb 9 at Douglas Field, Trusts Stadium, Waitakere
- NZPA
