All Whites coach Ricki Herbert gives the impression that there's a lot more riding on the three matches of this European tour.
Speaking from Blackburn before tomorrow's game with English Premier League side Blackburn Rovers, Herbert said:
"I expect [Blackburn coach] Mark Hughes will put his best team out, and
I would be happy to walk away after a good performance.
"This will be tougher than against Charlton Athletic. I want to see a number of players play well and make the most of their opportunity."
He is alluding to approaches already made to midfielder Tim Brown and defender Steven Old on their showings against Charlton.
"Tim Brown has attracted interest from clubs in Britain and in Australia," said Herbert. "There has also been interest from Scandinavia in Steven Old.
"We know scouts will again be there for this game. It is up to the players to make the most of their chance."
Apart from enforced changes - Ivan Vicelich and Shane Smeltz left the squad after last weekend's game - Herbert has stayed close to the team which played Charlton.
But, unlike that game, in which the starting XI played throughout, Herbert says there will almost certainly be action off the bench this time.
Danny Hay returns from injury to lead the team and take Vicelich's place alongside Old in central defence. In a shuffle, opting for something closer to a 4-3-3 formation, Herbert has brought Raf de Gregorio into midfield and handed the attacking responsibility to Jarrod Smith, Campbell Banks and Chris James.
"In bringing Raf [de Gregorio] in, we will probably play a little more defensively in midfield," said Herbert. "But not a lot will change. The training since the Charlton game has been exceptional.
"Danny [Hay] has coped and got through the whole programme today.
He is in much the same situation - coming back from injury - as he was when we played Australia at Craven Cottage last year, and he got through that. I would like him to be on the pitch for 90 minutes."
All Whites
To play Blackburn Rovers: Mark Paston, James Pritchett, Steven Old, Danny Hay (c), Tony Lochhead, Tim Brown, Andy Barron, Raf de Gregorio, Jarrod Smith, Campbell Banks, Chris James. Substitutes: James Bannatyne, Andy Boyens, Jeff Fleming, Michael Wilson, Paul Urlovic.
