Soccer: Fallon’s debut may be delayed

A delay in getting the necessary international Fifa clearance looks certain to cost Rory Fallon his chance of playing for the All Whites in their one-off clash with Australia in England early next month.

New Zealand Soccer always accepted it would need a certain amount of communication and co-operation with the international body for Fallon to be cleared to play for New Zealand after playing age group soccer for England.

The Herald understands that Fallon, who was sent off just before halftime while playing for Doncaster Rovers at the weekend, remains keen to pursue his chance of returning to international football.

But he accepts it may now be later rather than sooner.

While UK-based Adrian Webster was not named in the original 31-man squad, now reduced to 29 following an injury to Duncan Oughton and Fallon's unavailability, he seems likely to join the squad in the days before the June 9 match at Craven Cottage.

Webster, 24, was born in New Zealand but moved to Australia at a young age before going to England, where he has played at Charlton Athletic, Colchester and now Darlington.

Described on the Darlington website as a box-to-box midfielder, Webster is thrilled at the chance to join the New Zealand team in London.

He and his mother have spoken to All Whites coaches Ricki Herbert and Brian Turner, who learned of his possible availability through a contact in Australia.

As he has not played internationally, he would be available for immediate selection if required in future by the All Whites.

The 18 players for the match against Australia will be named this afternoon.