The 29-year-old from the Wellington Phoenix, who joined the squad in Brisbane this week for the training camp, has been impressed by the level of fitness of the players as they get ready for their first training game against local club side Western Pride on Wednesday night.
“The boys have been blown away by the scores that they have been getting [in the fitness tests],” said McGlinchey.
“Everyone has turned up in top condition.
“I think everybody knows how important this tournament is and nobody wants to have any excuses.”
McGlinchey, who has played 33 games for New Zealand and scored three goals, feels Anthony Hudson’s side is capable of a good performance as they look to make amends for their last Nations Cup campaign four years ago in the Solomon Islands.
“We failed four years ago and it hindered our preparation to get to the World Cup.
“We know that it starts now and if we do well at this tournament then it gives us some good games leading into the World Cup so it is massive for us.”
“It is a younger squad than I have been in before, but I think everyone is as hungry as ever,” he said.
The All Whites will play three games against Queensland Premier League clubs during their training camp in Brisbane and McGlinchey believes these matches will play a vital role in New Zealand’s preparations for the Nations Cup.
“I am sure we will come up against some good opposition and they will be wanting to beat us.
“We want to win the game, but it is more about implementing the style that Anthony wants than the result to be honest.”
McGlinchey, who made his debut for New Zealand in 2009, has been a stalwart for the All Whites in recent years.
He feels his side can go a long way as Hudson has selected a well-balanced squad.
“There is a lot of youth but there is some experience in there as well.
“We will go well but it is going to take a lot of hard work.
“It has been awhile since we were all together in Oman, it has been six or seven months, so it is good to get back with the boys.
Playing for your country is always something different to playing for your club.”
The All Whites will begin their 2016 OFC Nations Cup campaign against Fiji on 28 May.
Story courtesy of New Zealand Football

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