AUCKLAND – Uncapped Waitakere United playmaker Allan Pearce has crowned a stellar domestic season with inclusion in an extended 24-man Thai Airways All Whites squad for the crucial 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying showdown against New Caledonia in September.

New Zealand coach Ricki Herbert has named a full strength squad for the home and away fixtures with ten Europe or US based professionals adding an international flavour to a Wellington Phoenix-dominated squad.

Pearce – an unused squad member for the Thai Airways All Whites match against Iran in 2003 – is one of only two players making their first appearance in an All Whites squad since 2010 World Cup qualifying began, with 54 cap former-Fulham midfielder Simon Elliott fit again and in contention for his first All Whites appearance since 2004.

Blackburn Rovers captain Ryan Nelsen and Belgium-based utility Kris Bouckenhooge were both named in Herbert’s first extended squad last August but subsequently ruled out first through injury and then, in Nelsen’s case, the birth of his first child.

Wellington Phoenix stopper Glen Moss and Oly-White defender Steven Old are also back in the frame after being overlooked when the extended squad was trimmed for the opening match against Fiji.

The Thai Airways All Whites lead Oceania World Cup qualifying with nine points, one ahead of New Caledonia who they meet in Noumea on September 6 and at North Harbour Stadium four days later.

Even with a deferred game against Fiji in hand, one win for the Thai Airways All Whites against New Caledonia will be enough to clinch a spot in the 2009 Confederations Cup and a two-legged playoff with the fifth best team from Asia in late 2009 for a place at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, but Herbert is taking nothing for granted.

“I don’t think it’s ever simple, hence why we’ve named a strong squad and plan to take full advantage of the FIFA window,” Herbert said.

“When you looked at the schedule at the start of the season, New Caledonia away was always the toughest game, and we still need at least one win from those matches.”

Pearce was Waitakere’s top scorer in both the NZFC (11 goals) and the O-League (4) as the West Auckland club claimed both trophies in 2007-08.

The Waitakere winger-cum-striker showed a knack of scoring in big matches, twice scoring the only goal in 1-0 wins over fierce rivals Auckland City and slotting the equalising penalty in a 1-1 draw with City to seal a place in the O-League final. He then scored twice in the return leg of that final after also scoring against Team Wellington in the NZFC grand final.

Herbert recognised Pearce’s performance in crunch games this season but said the former age-group international’s senior call-up was the result of a string of consistent performances.

“We have to be mindful of players who are performing week in and week out,” Herbert said.

“I’ve seen Allan in a number of games, as has [All Whites assistant coach] Brian Turner, and Allan’s been integral to a lot of Waitakere’s success this season. His selection is recognition of that.

“He’s responded to big games at NZFC level but just as importantly, he’s a player who can beat people, he’s a superb athlete and good off either foot. He can play both flanks so he gives us options there, and he’s scored goals.”

Thai Airways All Whites extended squad to face New Caledonia (club – caps/goals)

Goalkeepers:

Glen MOSS (Wellington Phoenix – 7/0)

Mark PASTON (Wellington Phoenix – 17/0)

Jacob SPOONLEY (Miramar Rangers – 0/0)

Defenders:

Andrew BOYENS (New York Red Bulls – 5/0)

Tony LOCHHEAD (Wellington Phoenix – 16/0)

David MULLIGAN (Unattached – 17/3)

Ryan NELSEN (Blackburn Rovers – 34/7)

Steven OLD (Macarthur Rams – 17/0)

James PRITCHETT (Auckland City – 8/0)

Ben SIGMUND (Wellington Phoenix – 5/0)

Midfielders:

Leo BERTOS (Wellington Phoenix – 21/0)

Kris BOUCKENHOOGE (Red Star Waasland – 38/3)

Tim BROWN (Wellington Phoenix – 14/0)

Jeff CAMPBELL (East Coast Bays AFC – 19/3)

Jeremy CHRISTIE (Wellington Phoenix – 12/0)

Simon ELLIOTT (Unattached – 54/8)

Chris JAMES (Tampere United – 8/1)

Duncan OUGHTON (Columbus Crew – 21/2)

Allan PEARCE (Waitakere United – 0/0)

Ivan VICELICH (RKC Waalwijk – 63/7)

Forwards:

Daniel ELLENSOHN (Western Suburbs – 1/0)

Chris KILLEN (Celtic FC – 27/15)

Shane SMELTZ (Wellington Phoenix – 19/7)

Jarrod SMITH (Toronto FC – 11/0)

Management:

Ricki Herbert – Head Coach; Brian Turner – Assistant Coach; Clint Gosling –Goalkeeper Coach; Roland Jeffery – Team Physiotherapist; Wade Irvine –Massage Therapist; Phil Warbrick – Team Manager; Celeste Geertsema – Team Doctor.

2010 FIFA World Cup – Oceania Qualifying

PL W D L GF GA PTS GD
1. New Zealand 3 3 0 0 8 3 9 +5
2. New Caledonia 4 2 2 0 11 4 8 +7
3. Vanuatu 4 0 1 3 3 10 1 -7
4. Fiji 3 0 1 2 3 9 1

-6

Remaining fixtures:

September 6 – New Caledonia v New Zealand (Stade Numa-Daly Magenta, Noumea)

September 6 – Fiji v Vanuatu

September 10 – New Zealand v New Caledonia (North Harbour Stadium)

September 10 – Vanuatu v Fiji

November 19 – New Zealand v Fiji (neutral venue)

New Zealand’s 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying results to date

Oct 13 (Albany) New Zealand p:p Fiji

Oct 17 (Lautoka) Fiji 0:2 New Zealand Ivan Vicelich 33, Shane Smelltz 87

Nov 17 (Port Vila) Vanuatu 1:2 New Zealand Smeltz 53, David Mulligan 90+4

Nov 21 (Wellington) New Zealand 4:1 Vanuatu Mulligan 14, 82 Smeltz 27(pen), 34

Story courtesy of NZFootball. For more information visit www.nzsoccer.com