By TERRY MADDAFORD
Danny Hay's fightback to full fitness offers all kinds of mouth-watering possibilities for the All Whites as they head into both Monday morning's friendly with the United States and, more importantly, the Confederations Cup.
Until the last 20 minutes of this week's game against American A-League side Virginia Beach Mariners, Hay had not had the opportunity to play alongside Ryan Nelsen.
For years there has been the hope that the "tall timber" would get to play at the heart of the All Whites defence. For one reason or another, it had not happened.
Hay, who replaced captain Chris Zoricich for the latter stages of the 2-0 win on Wednesday, relished the chance to join US-based Nelsen.
"It was my first little go alongside Ryan," said Hay. "It was great. He is a very good player, possibly too good to play in the United States. I could see him making it in Europe."
Hay missed the last Confederations Cup and was not here for last year's Oceania Nations Cup where Nelsen's stunning goal helped beat Australia 1-0 and send the All Whites to the Confederations Cup.
He played the second game on last year's two-match European tour, the 2-0 loss to Poland, but Nelsen did not.
Although Nelsen and Hay have been touted as the pairing the All Whites need, Hay warns it could need time to settle.
"Partnerships take time to develop," he said after another training session in Washington DC this week.
"I don't know how [coach] Mick Waitt will use us. I have played in a flat back four in England for the past four years so playing in a four-man defence won't be a problem."
Waitt said yesterday he may again resist the call to start Hay against the US, preferring instead to play him off the bench when the time comes to rest Zoricich.
Hay, who has just celebrated his 28th birthday, has been plying his trade away from New Zealand for the past six years.
After playing his senior football at Waitakere City and Central United, he had two seasons with Perth Glory in the Australian National League before heading to English premier league club Leeds United.
It was trials at Leeds which cost Hay his chance of playing in the 1999 Confederations Cup in Mexico.
"I would have loved to have played there, but no footballer would turn down the chance to sign for a club like Leeds. That opened the door and gave me the opportunity to play against great clubs like Manchester United and Arsenal.
"Now, I just want to do well at this tournament. You never know who is watching. While Walsall have offered me a new contract, I'm a free agent and have a big point to prove."
Hampered by a shoulder and then ankle injury, Hay was released after three seasons with Leeds to join Walsall FC where he started in 32 games up to mid-February before the ankle problem ended his season.
"For the past four years I've been in the international wilderness. It was tough not getting to pull on the white shirt."
"Hopefully now I can get back to a point from where I can push for a starting place."
His first start for the All Whites was against the Terry Venables-coached Socceroos in January 1997. He has now played 17 times for the national side.
With his wife and parents pitch-side in France to cheer him on, Hay is intent on getting all he can out from the Confederations Cup.
"I know I still have some good football in me. I want to keep playing in Europe before we eventually pack up and return home."
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