Soccer: All Whites hero torn by loyalty to ailing English club

Rory Fallon (right) in action against Bahrain last year. Photo / Getty Images

All Whites goal hero Rory Fallon says his loyalties remain split between club and country and believes his family name has led to criticism over his stance.

The straight-talking Fallon rode into a storm after admitting on the Plymouth Argyle website that he was torn between staying in England for club games and the All Whites' World Cup warm-up match against Mexico in Los Angeles on March 3.

Fallon's stance was a realistic take on life in cut-throat professional soccer, but it angered some sections of New Zealand football, going as it did against the general euphoria of World Cup qualification.

Fallon remains unbowed and is continuing to question whether the Mexico friendly is so absolutely vital to the World Cup cause.

The 27-year-old striker told the Herald from England that his club manager Paul Mariner wanted him to bypass Los Angeles to help Plymouth fight relegation from the championship division.

But All Whites coach Ricki Herbert wants Fallon in Los Angeles during the Fifa international window, so he must attend or stand down from two club games.

Fallon, a son of controversial Kiwi soccer icon Kevin Fallon, is disappointed fans have questioned his All Whites loyalty.

"I love playing for the All Whites, I love the lads and the management," he said. "I've never been in a team like that where everyone is fully behind each other. It is a breath of fresh air.

"For people to say I'm not 100 per cent All Whites is disappointing - of course I am. How can they say that after watching the games against Bahrain?

"It's not down to me - it's between New Zealand Football and Plymouth Argyle. I will go where I'm told.

"I see both points and I'm a professional who gets on with my job. If New Zealand desperately wants me in Los Angeles I'll be there.

"But there will be two or three international games during the pre-World Cup camp in Europe so Mexico is not the last game - I don't see what the big deal is.

"I can see where Ricky is coming from wanting to sort the team out but it is only a friendly and people never play to their full potential. It's not like Bahrain, winning at all costs, putting bodies on the line.

"You could ask a lot of players and they would hate to get injured before a World Cup because of a friendly. And the travelling is going to be very hard on my body.

"The criticism is disappointing but no problem for me. Since I was a young I've had stick from all angles because of my father - that's just the way it is. I could be top scorer in the World Cup and still cop stick ... with people knowing who my dad is they have an instant thing against me.

"Things happen in New Zealand football that don't happen in Europe - I'll leave my comment there. I can't understand the fuss ... I'm a positive person and get on with enjoying playing football."

Fallon said playing three games and flying to Los Angeles and back in a week could take a lasting toll on his body.

"It is a constant battle in every game which takes a lot out of you. This is not like the Phoenix, who can't get relegated," he said.

"The gaffer wants me to stay. Being a manager in England is fickle - your head is always on the chopping block.

"The club can lose millions of pounds - this is important for the club and the community. For people who don't understand the game to [comment] is disappointing.

"Relegation changes people's lives. There will be job losses over stuff like this. People are fearful about their futures - a few were laid off last year."

Fallon believes Herbert and Mariner will talk soon.

Mariner told the Herald: "The club will of course respect Fifa and New Zealand's requirements. We would never inhibit any player's international ambitions."

Plymouth were frustrated recently when centre Reda Johnson, unused by Benin during the African Cup of Nations, delayed his return to meet his country's president.