Soccer: Killen leads the way against Hungary

Chris Killen faces a hectic return to international football after being named the sole striker in the All Whites XI for their European tour-opener against Hungary in Budapest tomorrow morning.

Back in the national side for the first time since 2002, Killen, now playing for Hibernian in the Scottish league, has the responsibility to lead the attack.

Melbourne-based Vaughan Coveny is not expected to arrive until today, and coach Ricki Herbert said it was unlikely he would be asked to play off the bench.

Killen's support will come from Adrian Webster (who lost the big toenail on his left foot in training on Monday but is expected to play) and Leo Bertos, who will play the wide midfield roles.

If Killen is to be substituted during the match, either Jeremy Brockie or Jarrod Smith, who have impressed in training, are likely to get the nod.

Herbert has named Noah Hickey and US-based Michael Wilson - another player expected to arrive overnight - as fullbacks, and Danny Hay and Steven Old will take the central defensive roles.

Dutch-based Ivan Vicelich, who returns to the All Whites for the first time in two years, will take a holding midfield role in front of the defence.

"It has been tough preparing for this game given the hectic travel schedule," said Herbert.

"I've been really impressed with the work put in by Ivan and Chris in their return to the side.

"They have been very professional in everything they have done.

Determined to get everything he can from the matches, Herbert said he would not ask his players to be conservative. "I need to look at some players and partnerships. I can't waste four games here."

Herbert said there was an air of expectancy among the locals.

"They are playing us just six days before they meet England. There is a major expectation they will win comfortably. There are strong demands for their players to step up as there is still disappointment they are not in the World Cup."

The Hungarian team comprise a basically 50-50 split between domestically based players and those playing outside the country.

"They will put the best team they can on the park," said Herbert, who added that a crowd of up to 12,000 was expected at the Szusza Ferenc Stadion for the first clash between the two sides since the two-match tour to New Zealand in February 1982 (the Hungarians won both 2-1). All Whites assistant coach Brian Turner scored the goal in the first match at Mt Smart Stadium.

* All Whites v Hungary, live on Sky Sport 1, tomorrow 5am.

Glen Moss, Noah Hickey, Danny Hay, Steven Old, Michael Wilson, Ivan Vicelich, Adrian Webster, Jeremy Christie, Tim Brown, Leo Bertos, Chris Killen.

Substitutes: Ross Nicholson, David Mulligan, Che Bunce, Raf de Gregorio, Andy Barron, Jarrod Smith, Jeremy Brockie, Kris Bouckenooghe, Vaughan Coveny.