All Whites coach Fritz Schmid has selected seven Hyundai A-League players in his first squad since taking over the New Zealand national team.
Uncapped teenager Sarpreet Singh, who’s scored twice in three league matches since his starting debut a month ago, is one of five Wellington Phoenix players included for the friendly against Canada in Spain later this month.
Tom Doyle, Matt Ridenton and Alex Rufer have all earned recalls, while Michael McGlinchey is a survivor of the team that narrowly lost to Peru in FIFA World Cup qualifying.
Central Coast Mariners mainstay Storm Roux and young Brisbane Roar full-back Dane Ingham have also kept their places in the 24-man squad.
Melbourne Victory forward Kosta Barbarouses is among several senior stars to have been excused from the tour.
His club team-mate Jai Ingham – older brother of Dane – is on standby, as is on-loan Phoenix forward Monty Patterson.
“The squad offers a good mix of experienced players, new players and some who are returning to the environment,” Schmid said in a statement.
“It is confirming our intention to take a good look at all of the potential All Whites because that will be the task in the next months. Not only here in the Spain camp but throughout the next few windows.”
SQUAD | Here is #AllWhites Head Coach Fritz Schmid's first squad as we get ready to face @CanadaSoccerEN in Spain. Well done to all of the new players. https://t.co/dm7Nw0FTfE pic.twitter.com/trHy7otU54
— New Zealand Football (@NZ_Football) March 14, 2018
