Soccer: Moss, Durante ruled out of qualifier

Glenn Moss. Photo / Getty Images

Wellington Phoenix goalkeeper Glen Moss has been ruled out of the All Whites squad for the crucial FIFA World Cup qualifiers against New Caledonia and the Solomon Islands.

The custodian recently returned from injury for his club against Perth Glory last weekend. Moss picked up a knee injury during the All Whites first training session in Dunedin yesterday and was monitored over 24 hours before being ruled out this morning.

Jacob Spoonley has been called into the squad as a replacement for both matches. The 26-year-old filled in as short-term cover for Moss and Mark Paston at the Phoenix during the All Whites qualifiers last September. The Auckland City player last played for the All Whites against Fiji during the 2010 qualifying campaign.

New Zealand Football has also confirmed that Andrew Durante will not take part in the must-win match with New Caledonia in consultation with All Whites management.

"I spoke to FIFA last night and there's no real movement from their position," High Performance Manager Fred de Jong said.

"I conveyed that message to Ricki this morning and the decision was taken that Andrew would not take part in the New Caledonia match. We will reassess his position after the match, depending on the result."

- nzherald.co.nz