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A year ago Simon Elliott would have rated his chances of playing for the All Whites against soccer powerhouse Spain at the Confederations Cup as little better than zilch.
Yet this morning he runs out to go head-to-head with some of the biggest names in the game, deservedly taking his
place in the hard-working engine-room of an All Whites team with nothing to lose.
Struggling with an Achilles injury which restricted his game time at English Premier League club Fulham to little better than a few sporadic minutes after his switch from American MLS club Columbus Crew, Elliott, realistically, thought not only were his playing days numbered, his chances of adding to his 50-plus international caps were also limited.
"With the injuries and all, I thought it was all over," said Elliott on the eve of New Zealand's first outing at their third Confederations Cup. "But that's the way things sometimes go. Now here we are in the running to go to the World Cup."
For Elliott, who celebrated his 35th birthday five days ago, winning a return trip to South Africa for the big show would be the icing on an already big cake.
More relaxed than he has sometimes appeared in the past entanglements in periphery issues when the national team has been together, Elliott is a key member of this team.
With 61 caps, only recalled central defender Ivan Vicelich, at his third Confederations Cup, with 66, has played more times for his country than any other member of this squad .
"I'm sure I have been misread in the past, just as I might have misread other people involved," said Elliott who has long campaigned for players' rights. "I have played under six or seven coaches but I feel the current staff seem to have the balance right.
"There seems to be a real willingness to get it right. Someone like Brian Turner who has been around New Zealand soccer for so long brings a real passion that tends to rub off.
"I have always wanted the best for the players. That has not always been the way."
Of the vexed question of payments to players, Elliott has no qualms in saying whatever money is available should be shared equally.
"The games you might have played in 1996 have no bearing on what you should be paid in 2009. It seems things have now been sorted out on that front. The involvement of the PFA has played a part in that."
Elliott has come, and been, a long way since his early days at Wellington's Miramar Rangers during which time he made his international debut in 1994.
He was among the early recruits for the MLS after completing a history degree at Stanford University and has had a ball virtually at his feet since.
Yet, when asked about his most memorable game, he is suddenly brought back to the future and last week's thriller against Italy.
"It was more about performance than the result," said Elliott. "But, it was great when I looked up and saw a scoreboard which three times had us ahead of the Italians."
Then, looking ahead to this morning's clash with cup favourites Spain, he was just as realistic.
"It is certainly a challenge. Spain will want to get off on a winning note but if we can again perform as well as we did against Italy everyone will be happy."
