World Cup 2010

New Zealand's Teenage Star Chris Wood Dreams Of Scoring World Cup Play-Off Winner

On a night of high tension, it could be a youngster that shows no fear...

Nov 12, 2009 1:29:45 AM

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Chris Wood (New Zealand)(Getty Images)

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He may only be 17 years-old but New Zealand striker Chris Wood is desperate to start against Bahrain in their 2010 World Cup play-off second leg in Wellington on Saturday and is already dreaming of scoring the winner.

The teenager plays for English club West Bromich Albion and after coming off the bench in the first leg last month, he could, according to reports in New Zealand, replace Celtic’s Chris Killen in attack.

He is confident that he is up to the challenge.

"I had a good performance over there," Wood said on Wednesday, according to the New Zealand Herald.

"I hope that gives Ricki Herbert something to think about. I have been playing well for my club.

"I don't feel like I'm 17. More like 25, for what I have achieved in my short career. If you have the ability, I have no doubt you should be out there."

The striker has been thinking about how he could score the winner and send the whole nation into dreamland.

"Potentially a cross from Leo Bertos in the 87th minute for 1-0," said Wood.

Wood actually put the ball in the net in the first leg only to see the goal ruled out for offside.

"Clearly in my mind, I was onside. I haven't seen a video of it - I don't want to. I thought I had scored, and then I saw the flag was up."