Auckland City's Chad Coombes and Jason Hayne are set for shock call-ups to the All Whites for Thursday's World Cup warm-up match against Mexico in Los Angeles.
Ricki Herbert's squad faces another injury problem with Sweden-based midfielder Craig Henderson, who was to make his full international debut on Thursday, out
with a knee injury.
The 26-year-old Coombes and 23-year-old Hayne starred in Auckland City's fairytale showing at December's world club championship in Abu Dhabi and were last night on the verge of being given the chance to push for World Cup places.
They came through unscathed in Palmerston North yesterday, where Auckland City were held by Manawatu to a surprising 1-1 draw. Hayne scored Auckland City's goal.
The euphoria of qualification for the World Cup finals in June has been tempered lately, Ryan Nelsen's knee injury being a reminder of the thin resources New Zealand relies on.
There has been the additional distraction of Rory Fallon's reluctance to leave Plymouth Argyle to play in Los Angeles, and injury concerns over Fallon and fellow striker Chris Killen from Middlesborough. Both played at the weekend.
Defender Ivan Vicelich (suspended) and goalkeeper Mark Paston (injured) are missing from the Mexico game, although this is offset by having top goalkeeper Glen Moss back. His international suspension does not include "friendly" fixtures.
All Whites assistant coach Brian Turner has kept close tabs on the Auckland City players and the club was yesterday celebrating the prospect of Coombes and Hayne getting their international chance.
Coach Paul Posa said: "We're really thrilled. It's also a boost for the New Zealand Football Championship."
Coombes and Hayne play as wide strikers for Auckland although Herbert may view their international prospects differently.
Coombes will be remembered for his long-range wonder goal against Al-Ahli in Abu Dhabi. Highly versatile, he also plays in the midfield or defence.
Hayne is an outright attacker and was among the best players of the world club championship in Fifa's statistical analysis. He set up a goal against Al-Ahli and scored two in the win over African champions TP Mazembe, as Auckland finished fifth.
New Zealand Football is hopeful that Nelsen, sidelined for up to six weeks, will join the squad in LA.
