KILLEN 'UP FOR A BATTLE'

All Whites striker Chris Killen won't be surprised if he comes in for special treatment from Fiji in Saturday's FIFA World Cup qualifier at North Harbour Stadium and insists he's "up for a battle".

Having spent the last couple of days travelling halfway round the world to join up with his All Whites teammates following his goal agaionst Grenta on Monday (NZT), the Celtic striker could be excused for missing the Fijian visa saga.

But he knows Fiji will not lack motivation as the 'Road to South Africa' begins.

“We’re not expecting a pushover. They’re a physical side and what they might lack in skill they’ll make up in strength and determination. We’re expecting a tough game,” Killen said at a media conference Thursday followin his first training run.

The Glasgow-based Wellingtonian – fresh from a dream week that featured a Champions League win over AC Milan and his first start and a goal for Celtic against Gretna - agreed it was “quite possible” that some of the predicted Fijian physicality would be directed at him.

However, he is confident his experiences at one of Europe’s biggest clubs - and in one of the continents toughest leagues - will hold him good stead.

Story courtesy NZF Media...

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