Callan Elliot in action for the Phoenix
Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Wellington Phoenix defender Callan Elliot has received his first call up to the All Whites squad for this month’s home games against China.
23 year old Elliot has impressed after a strong season in the A-League.
Team-mate Alex Rufer and European based Max Mata are recalled to the national squad for the first time since 2019.
Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood is in the 24-player squad.
Sarpreet Singh and Ryan Thomas will miss the series to allow them more time to continue their recovery from injury now they are back playing club football.
Both players are in contention to return for the All Whites in the June FIFA window.
Bill Tuiloma and Ben Waine have been left out for this series, after discussion with interim head coach Darren Bazeley, due to club commitments.
Ben Waine is currently fighting for his place at new club Plymouth Argyle, who have a league game during the international window and are chasing a promotion place, plus he is in contention to be involved in the EFL Trophy Final at Wembley Stadium against Bolton Wanderers in Early April.
Bill Tuiloma has recently completed a move to MLS side Charlotte FC so will stay with his new team for this window.
Two senior goalkeepers have been selected for this window and a third will join the matchday squad from the U-22 side for each All Whites game.
“All of the players can’t wait for the opportunity to play at home again, this time for a full FIFA window” says interim head coach Darren Bazeley.
“The players had a taste of playing on home soil last year vs Australia and are looking forward to once again playing in front of our home fans, both in Auckland and down in Wellington.
“This series gives us the opportunity to start the new World Cup cycle off and get our home fans excited about what is to come for this squad.
“Congratulations to Callan Elliot on his debut call up after a great season with the Phoenix.
“He is a player I know well from the Tokyo 2020 Olympic campaign so it will be great to see him in the full All Whites environment.
Chris Wood
Photo: PHOTOSPORT
“I’m also pleased to bring Max Mata and Alex Rufer back after a long time away.
“Max is a player in form over in Ireland, having recently scored a league hattrick, and Alex has obviously now fully recovered after a long time out with injury and is in good form with the Phoenix.
“Both Ben Waine and Bill Tuiloma were disappointed not to be able to take part in this window but from discussions with them both I’m happy that it is the right decision for their individual club careers, and they have both committed to future international windows.
“These are exciting times for this young squad, so I know everyone involved in the team can’t wait to get started.”
The All Whites play China on Thursday March 23 at Mt Smart Stadium and on Sunday March 26 at Sky Stadium, Wellington.
The full squad is:
Kyle Adams (0 caps) San Diego Loyal, USA
Kosta Barbarouses (52 caps) Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand
Joe Bell (12 caps) Brøndby IF, Denmark
Michael Boxall (40 caps) Minnesota United, USA
Liberato Cacace (12 caps) Empoli, Italy
Callan Elliot* (0 caps) Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand
Matthew Garbett (12 caps) NAC Breda, Netherlands (on loan from Torino)
Alex Greive (7 caps) St Mirren, Scotland
Cam Howieson (16 caps) Auckland City FC, New Zealand
Dane Ingham (12 caps) Newcastle Jets, Australia
Eli Just (13 caps) AC Horsens, Denmark
Clayton Lewis (21 caps) Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand
Stefan Marinovic (30 caps) Unattached
Max Mata (1 cap) Sligo Rovers, Ireland
Callum McCowatt (10 caps) FC Helsingør, Denmark
Tim Payne (30 caps) Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand
Nando Pijnaker (11 caps) Sligo Rovers, Ireland
Marco Rojas (43 caps) Colo-Colo, Chile
Alex Rufer (7 caps) Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand
Oli Sail (6 caps) Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand
Tommy Smith (49 caps) Colchester United, England
Marko Stamenic (11 caps) FC Copenhagen, Denmark
Chris Wood (70 caps) Nottingham Forest, England
Deklan Wynne (15 caps) Charleston Battery, USA
*Debut All Whites squad
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