As he explains to oceaniafootball.com, he is keen to make the most of his chances at the London-based club and has used his release by the Phoenix to further fuel his desire to carve out a professional career.
What goals do you have in mind for your time at Fulham? What do you think you will need to do to earn a chance in the first team?
I want to establish myself as a regular starter in the U-21 side first and then prove that I deserve a contract renewal. If I play as well as I know I can I will hopefully make the step up to the first team and will then try to take my chances when they come.
What were your initial impressions of Fulham in terms of the facilities and set up?
I thought everything was just amazing. When I went for the trial and looked out at the beautiful pitches I was in awe, I couldn’t believe it. All of the equipment and resources are there to train with and are all incredible. The support I was given by the staff was amazing too. Everyone at the club has been very welcoming and that has helped me fit in straight away.
What players are you particularly looking forward to training with at Fulham and why?
Obviously, I’m in the reserves side at the moment and as Zdenek Grygera [formerly of Ajax and Juventus and a Czech Republic international] is training with us I would probably have to say him. Hopefully, I’ll be able to make the step up and advance into the first team, then learn off the likes of Brede Hangeland and Philippe Senderos, who are both experienced and established Premier League defenders.
Do you think being released by the Wellington Phoenix has given you added motivation to succeed as a professional?
Yes, it has a little. I wanted to prove people wrong for releasing me and, now that I’m at Fulham, I want to show them and the fans that I’m good enough to make it as a football player.
You spent last season in the New Zealand national league with Team Wellington. What significance has that campaign, which resulted in a runners-up placing, had on your development?
Team Wellington was very important as it gave me the chance to play regular football and to maintain my fitness. It was also an important stepping stone on the way to the U-23 New Zealand team. The U-23s was then my step towards the Olympic Games and on to Fulham. I’m grateful for my time there.
Do you feel the opportunity you have been given at Fulham could also be a chance to impress All Whites coach Ricki Herbert or are you concentrating solely on your club career?
I think so. I hope so anyway but for now I just have to concentrate on Fulham. If I prove myself and do well at Fulham then the international opportunities will come.

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