Black Caps pace bowler Adam Milne is heading to the Wairarapa, but not for cricket.
Milne, 18, has joined Wairarapa United for their Central League football campaign, although just when he will make his debut is clouded by the stress fracture to his left tibia which cut short his Central Districtscricket season.
The injury came not long after Milne had become the youngest player to appear for the Black Caps in a Twenty20 fixture, against Pakistan. He has recovered well enough to think seriously about continuing a football career in which he has played for New Zealand under-20s and Manawatu's national league side.
Wairarapa United coach Phil Keinzley is excited at the sting Milne, usually a striker, will offer with his height and speed.
"He's very good in the air and he covers the ground quickly, he should be a huge asset for us," Keinzley said.
Reflecting on United's 2-1 loss to Lower Hutt City in their opening Central League game on Sunday when a penalty attempt was missed in the dying seconds, Keinzley saw obvious room for improvement.
"Quite frankly we didn't deserve any better than we got, we were too loose on attack and defence."
Sharing the coaching role over the next month or so while Keinzley is on holiday will be players Adam Cowan and Pita Rabo, and they will be responsible for selecting the starting line-up to take on Marist Wellington at their home grounds this Saturday.
