New Zealand's 2010 soccer World Cup campaign entered another phase today with the naming of the All Whites squad for the Oceania qualifiers against New Caledonia next month.
Coach Ricki Herbert named a full strength 18-man squad for the home and away games at Noumea and North Harbouron September 6 and 10.
After playing with the Oly-Whites, Simon Elliott and Ryan Nelsen join the New Zealand side for the first time since 2004, while fellow Olympian Chris Killen will return to the team after missing qualifiers against Vanuatu last November because of injury.
Wellington Phoenix players make up half the squad, including off-season recruits Leo Bertos, Ben Sigmund and David Mulligan.
New Zealand Football Championship representative Allan Pearce, also made the cut from the 24-man squad named in June and is still in contention for his All Whites debut.
Notably absent from the squad is captain Tim Brown, who is suspended from the September 6 fixture, and Ivan Vicelich who has retired from international soccer.
Herbert said the void Vicelich had left would be difficult to fill.
"Ivan's played an integral part in this group since 2005. He's been a senior member of the squad, and has been instrumental in everything we've achieved. He'll be sorely missed."
With hopes of gaining a position in the Confederations Cup, Herbert has named the strongest squad possible.
"These are two very important games for New Zealand so it's great to get to this point with selection options," Herbert said.
"I personally have never, and the team hasn't either, underestimated the challenge of these qualifying games. New Caledonia will provide a tough contest, especially away from home."
All Whites squad:
Goalkeepers: Glen Moss, Mark Paston
Defenders: Andrew Boyens, Tony Lochhead, David Mulligan, Ryan Nelsen, Steven Old, Ben Sigmund
Midfielders: Leo Bertos, Tim Brown, Jeremy Christie, Simon Elliott, Chris James, Duncan Oughton, Allan Pearce
Forwards: Chris Killen, Shane Smeltz, Jarrod Smith
