Shane Smeltz was set to join the growing list of players making themselves unavailable for yesterday's one-off international against Wales.
Let go by his Halifax Town club - he had managed just two goals for them in the just-finished season - and with only one goal, in hisprevious 11 internationals, against Chile 13 months ago, Smeltz was eyeing a shot at the Hyundai A-League and preparing to try his luck in Australia.
But after his brace in the 2-2 draw against Wales yesterday where he almost snatched a dramatic winner, Smeltz found himself the centre of attention as scouts came knocking.
They might be out of luck.
Smeltz is very much in line for an A-League contract - but on this side of the Tasman and playing under All Whites coach Ricki Herbert at the Wellington Phoenix.
"This game was an opportunity for me and for Ricki to have a look at me," said Smeltz, 25, in reflecting on the part he had played in steering New Zealand to a stunning result in their friendly at the Racecourse Ground.
"I would definitely like to come back to Wellington. It is an option.
"I've had a long season but haven't played as much as I would have liked. I'm heading to Australia tomorrow," said Smeltz. "We'll see what happens."
Herbert, who has plenty to celebrate, has left the Phoenix door wide open. As well as the result on the field against Wales, Herbert has learned he is about to rub shoulders with the world's best after being accepted for the 2007 intake for the Uefa Pro Licence course - the mandatory qualification for any Champions League coach.
The year-long course is divided into three practical and theory segments. The first will be held in Coventry from next month, followed by the remaining legs next January and June.
Of Smeltz's chances of joining him at the Phoenix, Herbert said: "I spoke to Shane extensively before I left New Zealand and reminded him of the need to get into a goalscoring frame of mind. Hopefully those discussions will continue."
Asked how Welsh coach John Toshack had viewed the game, Herbert said he had been "very complimentary" but added "I guess I'm the happier coach tonight."
