With the injury-enforced withdrawals of Tony Lochhead and Tommy Smith for matches against Mexico and Australia, and Melbourne Victory’s Marco Rojas missing the first leg of the tour while he recovers from a viral infection, a 23-man squad had already been whittled down to 20 before departure from Auckland.
Chris Killen (China), Chris Wood (England) and Craig Henderson (Sweden) arrived late on Saturday night local time and took full part on Sunday morning as 14 players trained at the University of Denver.
“It’s always great to come back into camp and see the lads, and the ones who have come in from back home and Australia sound like they’ve been working hard over the last week,” said Wood after training.
“The chance to play for New Zealand again in what will be two very big challenges against Mexico and Australia is a great way to end a long season.”
United States-based Simon Elliott, Andy Boyens, Michael Boxall were on club duty in Major League Soccer on Saturday but will join the group on Sunday, as will West Ham United’s Winston Reid.
Jake Gleeson, also on MLS duty, arrives on Monday, as does Japan-based Michael Fitzgerald.
“They’re slowly dribbling in,” coach Ricki Herbert said. “But those with club commitments are coming in pretty smartly after they meet them.
“It’s nice to have a few more involved today and we’ll have the rest in over the next few days. Our players come from far and wide so it’s just part of our story that everyone is used to.”
New Zealand play Mexico at Denver’s Invesco Field on Thursday at 2pm (NZT).
Mexico v New Zealand
INVESCO Field at Mile High
Denver, USA
8pm, June 1, 2011 (2pm, June 2 NZT)
Live on Sky Sport 1
Story courtesy of New Zealand Football.
For more on New Zealand football go to www.nzfootball.co.nz