World Cup 2010: New Zealand Name Squad For Mexico Match

The All Whites are stepping up their preparations.

Feb 9, 2010 7:11:00 PM

More On :  Mexico
New Zealand Team Photos (Getty images)
New Zealand have named their squad for the March 3 friendly against Mexico in Los Angeles and it includes Rory Fallon.

The striker was at the centre of a club-vs-country row as he is needed by English championship club Plymouth Argyle as they fight against relegation.

New Zealand coach Ricki Herbert, who is preparing his team for the 2010 World Cup, felt that the tournament is just too big not to call his best players.

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"I'm assuming they've (Plymouth) understood and respected our position, as we've understood and respected their position too," Herbert said according to New Zealand Press Association.

"But there is only one Fifa window and the World Cup doesn't come around every year."

Another hero of the World Cup play-off victory over Bahrain is Mark Paston but the goalkeeper will miss the Mexico warm-up through injury and defender Ivan Vicelich is suspended.

There are two new faces in the shape of defender Tommy Smith and midfielder Craig Henderson.

"Tommy has been flagged for a wee while now," Herbert said.

"He's played a lot at Championship level and I think he will be a fantastic acquisition to this group."

New Zealand squad:

Goalkeepers:
Glen Moss (Melbourne Victory, Australia)
James Bannatyne (Team Wellington)

Defenders
Tony Lochhead (Wellington Phoenix)
Ryan Nelsen (Blackburn Rovers, England)
Andrew Boyens (New York Red Bulls, USA)
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, Scotland)
Craig Henderson (Mjllby AIF, Sweden)

Forwards
Shane Smeltz (Gold Coast United, Australia)
Rory Fallon (Plymouth Argyle, England)
Chris Killen (Middlesbrough, England)
Chris Wood (West Bromwich Albion, England)

The 2010 World Cup is fast approaching, so keep up to date with all the news at Goal.com's World Cup homepage

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