Ten of the players, including Howieson and Payne, have played 10 or fewer games for the All Whites, Rory Fallon and Michael McGlinchey just 11. At the other end of the scale, Ivan Vicelich (74), Ryan Nelsen (46) and Leo Bertos and Chris Killen with 40, provide the experience.
"It's a really exciting time," said Herbert. "It's a great opportunity for players like Cameron and Tim. They're both in a professional environment in England and really excited to have their chance."
With Tony Lochhead excused from the two US games in the US - for his wedding - the fullback stocks again appear thin leading Herbert to say they may well, for those two games at least, revert to the three-man defence used successfully in the past.
"We have so many players now in a professional environment we're in a very healthy position. There's also a strong synergy between the All Whites and the Olympic squad which strengthens our position."
Of the player likely to fill the midfield role left vacant by Tim Brown's shock retirement, Herbert said Michael McGlinchey had a great chance to make it his own, or possibly Vicelich who could take a holding role.
Herbert is confident recent Phoenix signing Glen Moss should be ready but is not discounting giving US-based Jake Gleeson goalkeeping time there.
SCHEDULE
New Zealand v El Salvador
May 23, BBVA Compass Stadium, Houston, USA, 12.30pm May 24 (NZ time) live on SS3
New Zealand v Honduras
May 26, Cotton Bowl Stadium, Dallas, USA, 12.30pm May 27 (NZ time) live on SS3.
OFC NATIONS CUP/FIFA WORLD CUP QUALIFYING
Honiara, Solomon Islands (all games Lawson Tama Stadium)
New Zealand v Fiji
June 2, 1pm (NZ time)
New Zealand v PNG
June 4, 1pm
New Zealand v Solomon Islands
June 6, 4pm
Semifinals
June 8, noon/4pm
Final
June 10, 4pm.