Roux rushed into All Whites

Storm Roux has been added to the New Zealand squad for next month’s World Cup play-off after an impressive debut.

Storm Roux has been rushed into the New Zealand squad for next month’s World Cup play-off after an impressive debut for Central Coast Mariners in the season-opener against Western Sydney Wanderers.

Roux, 20, was born in South Africa but grew up in New Zealand before moving to Perth as a teenager. A dual citizen of both Australia and New Zealand, Roux figured in all three games for the Junior All Whites in this year’s FIFA World Youth Cup in Turkey, and is now set to graduate to the senior side to provide Ricki Herbert with a fresh option for the troublesome right fullback position. Over recent years Herbert has used the likes of Jeremy Brockie, Leo Bertos and David Mulligan in the role, and still no one has managed to nail down the position.

Roux, who made a single appearance for Perth Glory midway through last season, joined the Mariners on a two-year deal this season, and was given first chance to fill the big boots of the departed Pedj Bojic for the grand final rematch against the Wanderers. Roux did not disappoint with a strong performance, and has now been called up by Herbert for the play-offs in mid-November.