With games against Brazil and Chile in the bag and others imminent, All Whites coach Ricki Herbert can also look forward to calling on the services of an England youth international.
Herbert has been chasing Chris James, who has played more than 25 times for England at youth level and
has recently signed professional terms with Premiership outfit Fulham, for some time now.
Last week the New Zealand-born 18-year-old, who holds a British passport, declared his allegiance to New Zealand and could be included in the All Whites squad to face Chile in April. New Zealand Soccer (NZS) has lodged documentation with Fifa to get his clearance to play for his country of birth.
Fifa changed the rules on eligibility in 2002 after Tim Cahill won his case to play for Australia. He had previously turned out for Western Samoa in a youth tournament but Fifa decided to change the rules as long as a player committed to a country before they turned 21.
The door has closed on striker Rory Fallon, who played for England at youth level but expressed an interest in playing for New Zealand after he turned 21.
NZS is also trying to track down Winston Reid, a 17-year-old born in New Zealand who has already played in the Danish first division.
"It's pretty exciting," Herbert enthused. "Who knows what the next 12 months might throw up because why wouldn't there be more out there when you look at how many people leave New Zealand for whatever reason?"
James is the second to pledge his allegiance to New Zealand in Herbert's short tenure in charge of the All Whites after Adrian Webster was brought into the fold. Webster was born in New Zealand but moved to Australia as an 18-month-old and was brought through the Australian academy system.
Keeper Glen Moss was also a product of the Australian system, while striker Shane Smeltz was born in Germany and raised in Australia but lived in New Zealand for a short time as a child.
"By playing the likes of Brazil and Chile we are sending out a pretty loud statement and these guys want to be involved," Herbert said. "Imagine if we found another 10 or 12 of a very good standard that we didn't know about. It can only be good for the game."
And good for New Zealand's chances of one day qualifying for another World Cup.
- HERALD ON SUNDAY
With games against Brazil and Chile in the bag and others imminent, All Whites coach Ricki Herbert can also look forward to calling on the services of an England youth international.
Herbert has been chasing Chris James, who has played more than 25 times for England at youth level and
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