All Whites name strongest possible squad for intercontinental playoff against Peru

The All Whites have named their strongest squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup intercontinental playoff against Peru.

Premier League stars Chris Wood and Winston Reid have both recovered from injury to make the 23-strong squad.

Wood suffered a hamstring strain against Manchester City two weeks ago, but it wasn't considered overly serious, and he managed 64 minutes for Burnley in Sunday morning's 1-0 win against Southampton.

Reid was battling a calf problem, but looks to have shaken it off, playing the full game for West Ham in their 4-1 loss to Liverpool.  

Winston Reid has been battling a calf injury.
Winston Reid has been battling a calf injury. Photo credit: Photosport

Their inclusion is a huge boost for the All Whites, who will need all of their big-game experience for the daunting challenge of Peru.

As expected, veteran forwards Rory Fallon and Jeremy Brockie have both made the cut. While the pair are unlikely to take the field, they have been included for their off-field presence, with both players well-liked and respected amongst the group.

It's hoped the duo will be calming figures for the squad, and help ease the pressure over the two legs, in what's set to be a white-hot atmosphere.

Thirty-five-year-old Fallon has a special association with Wellington and the All Whites, after his header in the capital led them past Bahrain and into the 2010 World Cup. He's now playing for Dorchester Town, in their seventh tier of English football. 

Rory Fallon is back in the All Whites squad.
Rory Fallon is back in the All Whites squad. Photo credit: Photosport

Brockie has been banging on the selection door for a while, after a fruitful spell in South Africa for SuperSport United. Despite struggling to step up to international football in the past, the 30-year-old has hit top form in Pretoria, and was nominated this week for African Player of the Year. He's played 49 times for New Zealand, and was part of the World Cup squad seven years ago.

Their inclusion is bad news for defender Sam Brotherton and striker Myer Bevan. While the pair are likely to be important figures for the All Whites in the future, their youth and inexperience has counted against them on this occasion.

Stefan Marinovic is the first-choice goal-keeper, and he's joined by Newcastle Jets gloveman Glen Moss. The uncapped Max Crocombe has won the battle for the final spot, thanks to regular first-team football at Salford City. Youngster Michael Woud and the Danish-based Tamati Williams miss out. 

Stefan Marinovic.
Stefan Marinovic. Photo credit: Photosport

Despite an injury-disrupted build-up, Ipswich Town defender Tommy Smith is fit and has been included. Wellington Phoenix centre-back Andrew Durante's rapid recovery from a groin injury also sees him feature, alongside Michael Boxall and Themi Tzimopoulos. Kip Colvey, youngster Dane Ingham, Deklan Wynne and Storm Roux will all compete for the hotly-contested wing-back spots, with Phoenix left-back Tom Doyle unlucky to miss out.

There's a familiar look in midfielder, with the creative talents of Dutch-based players Marco Rojas and Ryan Thomas. Bill Tuiloma has got another call-up, alongside Michael McGlinchey. After picking up his first professional contract, Clayton Lewis is back in the frame, after an impressive Confederations Cup. Lewis made his debut for Scunthorpe United earlier this week, scoring a goal. 

Ryan Thomas and Chris Wood.
Ryan Thomas and Chris Wood. Photo credit: Photosport

Wood will be the main man up front, with the pace and trickery of Kosta Barbarouses and Monty Patterson also earning them spots in the squad. The World Cup experience of Shane Smeltz gets him the nod, alongside the recalled Brockie and Fallon.

The All Whites are now assembling in Wellington, ahead of the first leg in the capital at Westpac Stadium on Saturday, November 11, with a 4:15pm kick-off, while the second leg will be played in Lima on Thursday, November 16, at 3:15pm (NZ time).

All Whites squad to face Peru: 

Goalkeepers - Stefan Marinovic, Max Crocombe, Glen Moss

Defenders - Michael Boxall, Kip Colvey, Andrew Durante, Dane Ingham, Winston Reid, Storm Roux, Tommy Smith, Themi Tzimopoulos, Deklan Wynne

Midfielders - Clayton Lewis, Michael McGlinchey, Marco Rojas, Ryan Thomas, Bill Tuiloma

Forwards - Kosta Barbarouses, Jeremy Brockie, Rory Fallon, Monty Patterson, Shane Smeltz, Chris Wood

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