Graham Seatter here - just thought I'd give some clarity re the
eligibility and prospects for some of the "non-NZ-eligible" players
recently been discussed in this forum. Rory Fallon cannot ever be
available for NZ. On introduction of the rule which allows players
with dual nationality to "switch" their allegiance before their
21st birthday, there was a 12 month period (i.e. 2004) granted for
players over 21 years to make that change. That was Rory's
opportunity, but he did not take it. The door is now fully and
permanently closed. Interestingly Tim Cahill switched to Australia
at this time. Winston Reid has more than two years to make his
decision. I have met with him in Denmark, and currently he believes
that the additional developmental work he gets as a member of the
Denmark Under 19 team is beneficial - if he switched to NZ, that
oppportunity would disappear. I think that is the right call for
him. His long-term decision will depend on a number of factors. We
are in contact with him. He is a quality player, and Denmark
realise that. Michael McGlinchey has until his 21st birthday in
January to make up his mind. He is considering the matter, and is
probably about a 50:50 call at present. We are in regular contact
with him, and he fully understands the NZ opportunity - Olympics,
Confederation Cup, and better World Cup chance than with Scotland,
although their recent win over France may give a different view on
that. Our new high performance manager, Rob Sherman, watched
Michael play for Scotland in the recent U20 World Cup in Canada,
and confirmed that Michael is quality. Tommy Smith is still U17, so
he has 3-4 years to make hsi decision.
Just thought that that NZ Soccer should send McGlinchey a card with an envelope addressed to FIFA with a nice note saying that he'd like to be an All white for his birthday... It'd be nice to have him make a decision before he does a yardie for his 21st and forgets where he is.
