Tim Payne. Photo / Getty Images.
Tim Payne is set for the biggest start of his blossoming career when he joins seasoned All Whites Ivan Vicelich and Michael McGlinchey in midfield for tonight's Oceania World Cup qualifier against Tahiti in Papeete.
While coach Ricki Herbert had not settled on his starting X1 as the team headed
to the match pitch for a second light training session yesterday, it appears Payne will get a start in a game Herbert sees as crucial.
It also seems certain that given the loss of key defenders Ryan Nelsen and Winston Reid, Herbert will revert to a back four with three of his Wellington Phoenix players, Leo Bertos, Ben Sigmund and Tony Lochhead, to be joined by stand-in captain Tommy Smith. Mark Paston will start in goal behind them. Up front the All Whites will go with experience, with Shane Smeltz, Chris Killen and Chris Wood to lead the charge.
Payne's selection continues an amazing year for the former Sacred Heart College and Waitakere United midfielder.
In the space of 12 months, he has played for New Zealand at under-17 (in Mexico), under-20 (in Colombia), under-23 (London Olympics) and the All Whites. His full international debut came in the 1-0 win over Honduras in May when he entered the game off the bench to replace Bertos.
