The All Whites have been training with new coach Anthony Hudson for only two days, but already two senior members of the squad have claimed it's the most prepared national camp with which they have been involved.
Midfielder Chris James and English Premier League striker Chris Wood have 55 AllWhites caps between them, and were excited about the "step up" New Zealand has taken with the appointment of Hudson.
"He's come in with a passion and a liveliness, looking to push the team forward," Wood said from Doha last night, where the All Whites are preparing for Tuesday's international against Uzbekistan. "He's got his own mindset and way of doing things and he's going to get it done."
Wood, who scored his first EPL goal last month for Leicester City, arrived a day late to camp after spending "Manic Monday" at home glued to the drama of the EPL's transfer coverage on TV.
There had been rampant speculation that the 22-year old frontman would either be loaned out or sold, but the deadline passed without a move, and allowed Wood to arrive at camp with a clear head as he tried to make a good first impression on Hudson.
"The boys are all liking the way he's doing things. I think ever since Embers (assistant coach Neil Emblen) came in through the last two games we have been very prepared."
James, who signed with French fourth division side CS Sedan Ardennes in July, said he was most impressed by Hudson's football knowledge and ability to clearly explain the purpose behind his tactics.
The All Whites have been training at the state-of-the-art Aspire Academy in Doha, where Hudson has been "correcting things" by conducting two "quality and intense" video sessions a day.
Hudson is missing first choice players Shane Smeltz, Marco Rojas, Ryan Thomas and Tommy Smith for the friendly international on Tuesday morning and will be looking to the attacking trio of Kosta Barbarouses, Tyler Boyd and Jeremy Brockie to provide the threat.
