Soccer: Emblen eyes Waitakere win

Neil Emblen (left) aims to start his coaching career on a winning note in New Caledonia. Photo / Getty Images

Not satisfied with what he saw at training on Tuesday, new Waitakere United coach Neil Emblen called his players in for another session before they boarded Thursday's flight to New Caledonia.

Emblen, obviously keen to launch his coaching career on a winning note against AS Magenta today, is leaving nothing to chance even if he is frustrated at being sidelined for the first two O-League games as he serves a carry-over suspension from last season.

He has taken a little-changed squad with him to the French territory, with most interest in newcomers Martin Bullock, Dimas da Silva and Ryan De Vries although only Bullock is likely to start this afternoon.

Emblen is expected to start Danny Robinson in goal, All White Aaron Scott at right back, Neil Sykes at left and Tim Myers and Jason Rowley centrally.

Roy Krishna and Benjamin Totori will provide the midfield - attacking - width, with Butler and former Phoenix and All Whites utility Jeremy Christie in the middle of the quartet. Up front Bullock will be joined by former international Brent Fisher.

After relatively easy home and away games against Vanuatu's Port Vila Sharks last season - although they were held 3-2 in the second leg - Waitakere may find the French a tougher prospect at Stade Numa Daly in Noumea.

There will be more than passing interest in Scott and Christie.

Overlooked, as he overcame an ankle injury, for the first leg of the Asia/Oceania World Cup qualifier against Bahrain, Scott will be keen for some game time to show he is again a contender for the crucial second leg to be played three weeks today.

Christie, not now required by Ricki Herbert for either the Phoenix or the All Whites, has rejoined Waitakere in a bid to rekindle his international career and should quickly show his worth in the heart of United's midfield.

The whistle-stop trip - the team will be back in time to watch tomorrow's Auckland City v Waikato clash - should give Emblen a winning start and set up what is already shaping as a key battle at Fred Taylor Park between the Auckland rivals next month.