Kiwi Squad for Mexico Friendly

The All Whites take on Mexico in a friendly on March 3rd, the game will be played in Pasadena, Los Angeles. Coach Ricki Herbert has selected a 17 man squad, one of two new inclusions is Brentford’s left back Tommy Smith, a player who many have been expecting to be called up for a long time.

The other new face is Craig Henderson, from Lower Hutt, an attacking midfielder who played college football at Dartmouth University in America. He has just signed for Swedish first division club Mjallby and was part of New Zealand’s Olympic under-23 side, he set up the All Whites only goal against hosts China in 2008.

Craig Henderson looks set to get his first full international appearance against Mexico

Defender Ivan Vicelich misses the Mexico game due to suspension after his red card against Jordan in September whilst Rory Fallon has been included, somewhat against his wishes as he wants to stay in England and help his club side Plymouth Argyle in their battle against relegation.

The full squad is:

Goalkeepers
Glen MOSS (Melbourne Victory), James BANNATYNE (Team Wellington)

Defenders
Tony LOCHHEAD (Wellington Phoenix), Ryan NELSEN (Blackburn Rovers), Andrew BOYENS (New York Red Bulls), Ben SIGMUND (Wellington Phoenix), Tommy SMITH (Brentford, England)

Midfielders
Andy BARRON (Team Wellington), Leo BERTOS (Wellington Phoenix), Tim BROWN (Wellington Phoenix), Simon ELLIOTT (San Jose Earthquakes), Michael McGLINCHEY (Motherwell), Craig HENDERSON (Mjällby AIF)

Forwards
Shane SMELTZ (Gold Coast United), Rory FALLON (Plymouth Argyle), Chris KILLEN (Middlesbrough), Chris WOOD (West Bromwich Albion)