AUCKLAND – Two New Zealand Football Championship players on All Whites coach Ricki Herbert’s shortlist for 2009 will be given an extra opportunity to stake a claim for a call up when Kuwait visit Auckland next week.
Team Wellington midfielder Andy Barron and Otago United goalkeeper Liam Little have been drafted into Auckland City’s squad at Herbert’s request for Tuesday night’s match against the Kuwaitis.
Herbert is due to announce an 18-man New Zealand squad in early March for matches against Thailand on March 28 and Indonesia on April 1.
The two matches begin New Zealand’s build-up to the FIFA Confederations Cup in June and a World Cup play-off against a yet-to-be-determined Asian nation in October and November.
The last of Barron’s eight caps was won as a substitute in the 2-2 draw against Wales in Wrexham in 2007 while U-23 goalkeeper Little has yet to play for the senior team.
Each player will get half a match at Kiwitea Street, with Herbert in the stands to cast his eye over the pair and Auckland City fullback James Pritchett.
All Whites assistant coach Brian Turner will attend Friday night’s match between Kuwait and Waitakere United, with All Whites Allan Pearce and Aaron Scott the focus of his attention.
Both coaches will also be part of a mini-reunion on Tuesday with members of New Zealand’s 1982 World Cup squad at the Auckland City match as guests of honour.
New Zealand played Kuwait twice during of their successful World Cup qualifying campaign, with Kuwait handing the All Whites their only defeat in 15 qualifiers. Kuwait also qualified for Spain ’82.
Story and photo courtesy NZF Media
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