New Zealand coach Ricki Herbert has opted to use Kosta Barbarouses and Marco Rojas either side of Shane Smeltz in a front three after the trio impressed against El Salvador and Honduras recently but has found room for Killen, who has scored 12 goals in his 40 ‘A’ internationals, in a new role.
“I like the balance of Chris and Michael McGlinchey in midfield,” Herbert says.
“He brings a physical presence to match what Fiji will try to do with quick counter attacking and looking to dominate aerially. He will fit well as a screen in front of the back three players.
“He’s technically good, he’s good on the ball and has a good range of passing. Time may tell but he may develop into someone who will be in and around that spot for the next couple of years.”
Killen, 30, has played in deeper roles at club level since moving to China two seasons ago and is comfortable with the new challenge.
“I’ve played central defender before and last season I played a striking role where I had to come back into midfield so it’s not too different than what I’m used to. As long as I’m playing I’m happy.”
Killen admits he may have to fight his striker’s instincts to push forward.
“Putting the reins on myself will be a big thing. I’m probably going to want to get in the box but Ricki has told me he just wants me to play that holding role and doesn’t want to me to get up and beyond the strikers. I’ll do the best I can and just try and stabilise things in midfield.”
Elsewhere, Tony Lochhead comes straight in on the left of midfield after missing the USA leg of the tour while Leo Bertos holds the right flank after coming off the bench early against Honduras.
The back three of Ivan Vicelich, Ben Sigmund and captain Tommy Smith is unchanged from the victory over Honduras, as is goalkeeper Mark Paston.
Story courtesy of New Zealand Football.
For more on New Zealand Football visit www.nzfootball.co.nz

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