Soccer: Brockie aims in right direction for Herbert nod

Jeremy Brockie in action against Paraguay in 2010. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Jeremy Brockie is doing all he can to attract All Whites coach Ricki Herbert's attention in the lead-up to this month's international against Jamaica.

His two goals for the Newcastle Jets in their Hyundai A-League 5-2 away win over Sydney FC took his tally to eight for the season - one behind his All Whites teammate Shane Smeltz.

Herbert yesterday confirmed Brockie was very much in the picture as he prepares to name his squad to face Jamaica at Mt Smart Stadium on February 29.

"He should be in the frame for sure," said Herbert.

"Scoring as he has been doing won't have harmed his chances."

While Herbert will name an extended squad of 27 to 30, he will involve only 18 for this month's international.

Smeltz, Brockie and Marco Rojas are current All Whites playing for Australian clubs with Mark Paston, Tim Brown, Ben Sigmund, Tony Lochhead and Leo Bertos the All Whites at the Wellington Phoenix.

Herbert also confirmed Ryan Nelsen was "very keen to be part of it". Other offshore players who will be in the extended list at least include Jake Gleeson, Michael Boxall, Andy Boyens, Dan Keat, Sean Fallon, Winston Reid, Tommy Smith, Kosta Barbarouses and Chris Wood.

Rojas played for Melbourne Victory in the scoreless draw with Melbourne Heart at AAMI Park in their third clash of the season.

The Phoenix fairy-tale continues.

Their 2-1 win over Adelaide in the opening game of the round, stretched their winning run to a club record four games but so tight is the league race, there can be no room for complacency in their remaining seven games.

With Central Coast having their unbeaten run snapped at 15 when they went down 2-0 to early season frontrunners Brisbane Roar, the Phoenix have closed to within seven points in second place.

Sunday's home game against the Roar promises to be a real test for the Phoenix.

In two clashes with the Roar this season, they drew 1-1 away in round six and won 2-0 at home four weeks later.

Sydney FC continue to under-perform and have now dropped out of the top six with the Jets going ahead of Sydney.

The Jets have their chance to consolidate their play-off hopes when they entertain Melbourne Heart on Saturday while the Victory have a chance to save face in playing at home to the Mariners on Friday.