Former All White Harry Ngata has called for Auckland City coach Ramon Tribulietx to fill the position vacated by Anthony Hudson.
The 28-time-capped international believes the Spaniard's experience coaching in the country should see him get the nod.
Speaking to Brad Lewis and Dave Worsley on RadioLIVE, Ngata is hopeful Tribulietx will be given the chance to lead the All Whites going forward.
"In my opinion, I think Ramon Tribulietx from a local perspective will surely, I would think, be one of the names at the top of the list," he said.
"Someone like Tribulietx has been here for nearly 10 years and understands the local game - I'd certainly support, if his hat is in the ring, someone like him getting to the stage."
Tribulietx has been the Auckland City manager since 2010, having previously been an assistant manager two years earlier.
He has guided Auckland to seven FIFA Club World Cup qualifications, as well as five New Zealand Football Premiers.
Ngata is convinced Tribulietx's time spent managing domestically would be crucial to the All Whites' cause and would be disappointed if the 45-year-old was not considered for the top job.
"I don't think they are going to rush into anything because particularly from an All Whites perspective, there's not a lot on the horizon in the next few months," he said.
"I would really like to think there's a coach in there that actually understands - and not saying Anthony didn't, it actually took him a couple of years to get his head around New Zealand football scene.
"He deserves a chance at international level after having such a successful time with Auckland City."
Newshub.