A shoulder injury to Tim Brown – whose participation in the whole tournament could be in doubt – has created a problem for Herbert ahead of Tuesday’s Group F clash against Slovakia in Rustenburg.
Brown and former English Premier League player Simon Elliott had formed an impressive combination at the heart of the All Whites midfield and Herbert is now in need of someone to replace the steadying influence of Brown.
That could mean a chance for Auckland City veteran Vicelich, who played much of his professional career in Holland in central midfield and has lost his starting place in defence to young Ipswich Town player Tommy Smith.
“You are not going to lack experience with Ivan and that might be what we need in this game. It would be good to have someone who is calm and patient on the ball,” Herbert says.
“He is a strong influence in the team, along with Ryan Nelsen at the back. We have experience through the middle of the park and around those players there’s a lot of energy.”
If Vicelich does take to the field against Slovakia, it will complete a remarkable year in the 33-year-old’s life.
He called time on his international career 12 months ago and was looking forward to a quiter life with wife Marissa and young child Luka.
But he was unexpectedly thrust back into action at the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup after an injury to key defender Nelsen and went on to play an important part in New Zealand’s march to South Africa.
He also led his Auckland City side to fifth place at last year’s FIFA Club World Cup, an unprecendented finish for an Oceania team.
He was recognised for his remarkable efforts earlier this month by being named Oceania Football Confederation men’s player of the year.
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