Soccer: Sigmund anxious to impress Herbert

Ben Sigmund. Photo / Getty Images

Ben Sigmund says he hasn't yet contemplated slipping anything untoward into Winston Reid's drink, but it wouldn't be a surprise if the thought crosses his mind at some stage.

The likeable 29-year-old central defender was a key member of the All Whites during World Cup qualification but could have watched his chances of playing at the tournament slip him by recently with the emergence of Reid.

The former Danish youth international has impressed in his three internationals to date, including the 1-0 win over Serbia, and might have the edge over Sigmund in the race to play as a right-sided centre-back in the first match against Slovakia on June 15.

Reid is strong, quick and athletic and is better on the ball than the Wellington Phoenix defender, although he does have a tendency to dive in unnecessarily.

Ivan Vicelich has gone through a similar experience as he's watched impressive 20-year-old Tommy Smith potentially usurp him for the left-sided centre-back's spot recently.

Coach Ricki Herbert said he hadn't yet made up his mind who will play on either side of Ryan Nelsen at the back, and will make that decision after their final warm-up game against Chile tomorrow morning. Central defence was his only selection dilemma.

"I think it's just my call now," Herbert said. "I think it's really close. It will be a hard call but it will be a decision that needs to be made. You can argue cases for all four of them. It's something I have been and will be sleeping on for the next few nights."

For a number of All Whites, the Chile match is one they just want to survive. World Cup fans won't react with such shock and disappointment if an All White is injured on the eve of the tournament like they did with England captain Rio Ferdinand or Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba. But for the player any injury would be devastating.

It's not something Sigmund or fellow defender Ivan Vicelich can worry about and the pair need to produce something compelling to convince Herbert they should play against Slovakia.

"If we start against Chile, we have to make the most of it," Sigmund said. "[Herbert] hadn't seen a lot of [Reid] before he came into the team and he has to give him a chance to see what he can do.

"He's done well. He a good player, and a good candidate for the future. Tommy as well. The depth is coming through well."

One thing on Sigmund's side is history. Herbert, who also coaches him at the Wellington Phoenix, knows his defender brings a whole-hearted approach and won't ever let him down.

"I played well against Australia and Bahrain, and all internationals I have played in," Sigmund said, almost hoping Herbert might have been in range to hear him. "Any player wants to play every game and I'm no different."

Herbert said all 23 players are likely to feature against Chile at some stage but key individuals like Nelsen and Rory Fallon wouldn't be risked for too long for fear of picking up an injury.