Soccer: Ryan Nelsen facing dilemma

Ryan Nelsen

Ryan Nelsen believes Blackburn Rovers remain open to the possibility of him putting country before club for the benefit of all three parties when the All Whites play the premiership English soccer side on Sunday (NZ time).

Nelsen stressed he would be happy to turn out for either team at Ewood Park as he makes his way back from a hamstring injury.

All Whites coach Ricki Herbert has been unable to contact Blackburn manager Mark Hughes to resolve the tug-of-war for the central defender's services, with Hughes understandably focused on the club's penultimate pre-season against Sparta Rotterdam on Thursday.

But Nelsen says there is a chance Blackburn may allow him to prove his fitness ahead of the club's season-opener at Portsmouth on August 20 by re-igniting his international career.

"Obviously I want to make my way back into Blackburn's starting 11 and if all goes well this could be a great opportunity to play some minutes," he said.

Nelsen last represented New Zealand in 2004 during the All Whites' unsuccessful bid to qualify for the World Cup against Australia in Adelaide.

"I'm really excited about playing for whoever, but it might be beneficial to play for New Zealand to get some minutes."

Nelsen, ironically linked to a $12.2 million offer from Portsmouth despite a hands-off warning from Hughes, has missed Blackburn's four pre-season fixtures to date.

That has allowed Zurab Khizanishvili the chance to cement a starting place in central defence alongside regular captain Andy Todd during Blackburn's 3-0 win over Accrington Stanley, 1-1 draw against Hamburg, 5-0 loss to Greek champions Olympiakos and Saturday's 3-2 win at Germany's Alemannia Aachen.

Nelsen admits the All Whites recent international revival including last Sunday's 1-1 draw at Charlton Athletic has him itching to play for New Zealand again.

"It's been far too long," Nelsen said.

"The boys have been doing really well, there seems to be a really good vibe going. Now I've established myself at the club I want to get back at international level."

Herbert said he would be delighted if Nelsen could play some part for New Zealand.

"I had a long chat with Ryan today and the signs look very favourable for him to possibly being involved, which would be great," Herbert said.

"I'll allow Mark to get on with Blackburn's important game against Rotterdam and then hopefully we'll be able to sort out something that's positive for everyone."

- NZPA