All Whites coach Ricki Herbert might finally get to put out a first-choice, full-strength team.
After being frustrated by injuries and club commitments in the past, Herbert hopes to have his best players on the pitch when his World Cup 2010 build-up campaign kicks-off with away matches againstCosta Rica and Venezuela in March.
Matches are scheduled for March 24 and 28 in Fifa windows which mean all players must be released by their clubs at venues yet to be confirmed.
"Not since I have been coaching the All Whites have we had the opportunity to put out what I consider our best team," said Herbert last night.
"Even now, I don't know if Ryan Nelsen, Simon Elliott and Chris Killen will be over their injuries, but because these games are in a Fifa window they would have to play for us at that time or not at all.
"At this stage I would expect to put out full-strength teams for both games which have been confirmed although I still don't know where they will be played apart from being away from home." Herbert expects to name 20 players for the matches which are the second part of a busy year for the national side.
A largely domestic-based team will soon be named for matches against Tahiti in Auckland early next month.
"We know Tahiti are bringing a full-strength side for the matches on February 7 and 9," said Herbert.
"That promises to be a big test for us so we might look to use A-League players who have finished their season."
The three All Whites at Perth Glory already out of Hyundai A-League contention, Leo Bertos, Adrian Webster and Jeremy Christie, will all be available. Vaughan Coveny, Tim Brown and Steven Old (Newcastle Jets) and Jeremy Brockie (Sydney FC) might also be available if their teams do not make it through to the top four this weekend.
Beyond these matches Herbert has his sights firmly set on matches in June, August and September (all in Fifa windows) to further preparations for home and away Oceania qualifiers in October and November.
"It will be full-on," Herbert said, "but at least the All Whites have games to play and at a time when we will be looking to put out our best side".
