Jai and Dane Ingham have been included in New Zealand’s squad for this month’s World Cup qualifiers against Fiji – two of eight Hyundai A-League players named by coach Anthony Hudson.
The Ingham brothers received plenty of praise from Hudson when the All Whites’ squad was announced on Thursday night, with the 35-year-old Englishman arguing the Australia-born duo will “improve what we are doing”.
Victory determined to shore up second spot
Melbourne Victory winger, Jai, 23, is eligible for the All Whites after receiving a New Zealand passport, which he qualifies for through his mother.
Hudson on the Ingham brothers
“Jai has been progressing with his club and his performances have been very good,” Hudson said.
“In recent time he is getting more and more time on the pitch and his performances have been very strong. He is a dynamic player, a very attacking player and he is someone who suits how we want to play.
“Recently when Dane made his debut for the Roar, for me 20 – 30 minutes into the game and I was sold. I had seen enough. He is a really good player.”
Hyundai A-League stars in New Zealand squad
The Inghams are joined by six other A-League players for the matches against Fiji on March 25 and 28.
Wellington Phoenix provide five players – Glen Moss, Andrew Durante, Thomas Doyle, Michael McGlinchey and Shane Smeltz – while Victory’s Marco Rojas is also included.
“It is the best squad we have had since I have been here,” Hudson said.
“We have got quality all around the pitch, we have depth and competition for places, and the best thing about this squad is we have a good blend of experience and youth.”
Impact on A-League clubs
Rojas and the Ingham brothers will be unavailable for Victory’s trip to face Brisbane in Round 24, while the Phoenix quintet will miss Wellington’s game against Newcastle Jets.
In a boost for Wellington, Kosta Barbarouses has been left out of Hudson’s squad.
Victory will take on Roar without their starting front four from the past three games, with James Troisi having been picked in the Socceroos’ squad this week, while Besart Berisha is set to make his Kosovo debut this month.
