Waitakere United midfielder Jake Butler has been added to the All Whites squad today ahead of the New Zealand's World Cup intercontinental playoff with Mexico beginning next week.
Butler replaces the injured All Whites skipper Winston Reid in the squad after the West Ham United defender was ruled out of the playoff after damaging his ankle in club training.
The 28-year-old Butler earned the second of his two international caps in the All Whites' last competitive outing against Trinidad and Tobago in Port of Spain in October.
All Whites coach Ricki Herbert says Butler's inclusion is just reward for the midfielder who was set to lead Waitakere United in the club's ASB Premiership opener against Southern United on Sunday.
"Jake has worked very hard to earn a place in the All Whites squad and he now gets an opportunity to impress in the lead up to the first leg," Herbert said.
