Football: Abby Erceg confirms second Football Ferns retirement

Abby Erceg has returned to the Football Ferns fold but is retiring. PHOTO/PHOTOSPORT.NZ

Defender Abby Erceg has confirmed her retirement from international football ahead of the Football Ferns match against Japan next month.

Coach Andreas Heraf has named an experienced squad to face Japan in Wellington. Goalkeeper Nadia Olla and defender Sarah Morton are the two uncapped players in his 21-strong squad.

Experienced forward Rosie White returns from a foot injury alongside pacey winger Paige Satchell who has overcome a knee injury.

Erceg returned to the Football Ferns against Scotland in March following nearly a year after retiring from the international setup.

At the time she returned, Erceg said she believed New Zealand Football had put a lot of effort into its development programme and she believed the environment was improving.

"At the end of the day, that's all you can ask for. Things you can't change overnight but as long as the effort is being put in and the players are put first, I think that's what they are doing at the moment so it's really positive."

Ahead of the June 10 clash, Heraf said this is an important game for preparing for the challenge they expect to face, if they are to qualify, for the FIFA World Cup in France next year.

"We still have a long way to go to be ready for the World Cup next year and to achieve our big goal to reach the round of last 16, but I am convinced that we will get closer and closer with every tour we work together."

Kamo's Hannah Wilkinson will be Northland's only representative in the squad as the Football Ferns look to perform strongly in a rare home appearance in Wellington.

Football Ferns: Ali Riley (c), Anna Leat, Erin Nayler, Nadia Olla, Liz Anton, CJ Bott, Anna Green, Sarah Morton, Meikayla Moore, Rebekah Stott, Stephanie Skilton, Katie Bowen, Betsy Hassett, Annalie Longo, Emma Rolston, Paige Satchell, Malia Steinmetz, Sarah Gregorius, Amber Hearn, Hannah Wilkinson, Rosie White.