Soccer: Reid ruled out of Nations Cup

Winston Reid looks set to miss the US trip. Photo / Getty Images

West Ham defender Winston Reid has been ruled out of the All Whites squad for the OFC Nations Cup with a groin injury.

Reid has been carrying the injury since the end of the East London club's promotion-winning season and New Zealand's potential schedule in the Solomon Islands - five games in 10 days - would risk further damage.

All Whites coach Ricki Herbert has called up 21-year-old Waitakere United defender Tim Myers to replace Reid.

"It's disappointing to not have Winston joining us here. He's a big part of our plans as we aim to qualify for the World Cup in Brazil."

"However, the last two games have shown that the players we do have available can get the first part of that job done here in the Solomon Islands."

"Tim is another promising young player from the ASB Premiership. He's part of the Olympic team and he'll do the shirt proud if called upon during this tournament."

Meanwhile Tommy Smith will captain the All Whites throughout New Zealand's OFC Nations Cup campaign with Herbert giving his full backing to the 22-year-old as the team touched down in Honiara today.

The All Whites youngest ever skipper, Smith, has made an unbeaten start to his captaincy career leading New Zealand to a 2-2 draw against El Salvador and a 1-0 win over Honduras on their recent fleeting visit to Texas.

From Saturday, New Zealand face a gruelling but vitally important OFC Nations Cup campaign in which the winner after five games in 10 days advances to the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup and the four semi finalists progress to the stage three of World Cup qualifying.

Herbert initially appointed Smith for just the two USA-based matches but said the decision to retain him in the role for the Nations Cup was an easy one.

"I've been impressed with the way Tommy has embraced the honour and responsibility of leading the national team and the composure with which he's handled it.''

"I've got no hesitation in handing the armband again for these crucial matches.''

Smith was given the word by Herbert as the team sat down for a meal and said "pride'' was his overriding emotion at receiving the news.

"I remember from the last two games feeling great pride. You're at the front of the queue leading the team out and then when you're standing there for the national anthem having that armband around you makes it that much better.''

The former Westlake Boy High School student also said he would be picking the brains of others who have captained the All Whites in the past.

"We all talk and hopefully I can pick up a few things from Ivan Vicelich, Ben Sigmund and players like that who have been around a lot longer than I have.''

The squad train for the first time in Honiara tomorrow (Thursday), with Fiji the first team in their sights on Saturday afternoon. Group B rivals Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands also clash on Saturday.

Group A gets the tournament underway on Friday with Samoa meeting Tahiti and Vanuatu playing New Caledonia.