Trials

Blyth Spartans� central midfielder Adrian Webster is really looking forward to this week. It�s going to be a special one � even for a New Zealand international who has played against the full Brazil team. Webster and his girlfriend are expecting their first child and there is the prospect of a Wembley appearance for the player � something he has long yearned for from across the globe.

The Spartans take on Tamworth in the 2nd Round of the FA Trophy on Saturday and Webster is definitely up for it � despite the possibility of also being up for several nights beforehand, should the baby arrive. �The possibility of playing in the Trophy Final at Wembley is fantastic,� he said. �Everyone across the world knows of Wembley. Indeed when I was a kid my Dad and I used to get up at one in the morning in Australia to watch the FA Cup Final!�

Although born in New Zealand 27 year old Webster was brought up in Australia and has always wanted to be a footballer. His career has taken him to Colchester, Darlington and, last season, back to play in the southern hemisphere. According to the definition a kiwi is a flightless bird but this one managed to reach Australia before having to land - albeit short of his desired destination. Webster had hoped to return to play in Sydney where his parents live but in fact touched down nearly 3,000 miles short. A better offer came in from Perth Glory so he ended up with them in the Australia A- League alongside the likes of Dwight Yorke and Juninho and in front up crowds of up to 30,000.

A self-effacing man, Webster wasn�t quite sure of how many full international caps he had picked up. �Possibly eleven or twelve� he suggested. �I know I�ve played against the likes of Estonia and Georgia plus, last year, and as part of their warm up for the World Cup, I played against Brazil for New Zealand in Switzerland. That was the biggest game I�ve played in and although we lost 4-0 it was still a great experience.�

Having gone part time with Blyth he thinks that a recall to the New Zealand squad may not come. �If the invitation arrived it would be great as would a decent offer to go back to being full time but at the moment I�m trying to build up my business and am happy with Blyth, although results before Saturday�s win at Hyde have been frustrating.�

Webster returned to the UK this year to work as a personal trainer based on Teesside. He had met his girlfriend while playing for Darlington and came back to the region for her to be near her parents. Therein lies another reason for his contentment. �At the moment just concentrating on the arrival of the baby is my priority.�

It may be rare these days but Adrian Webster is a footballer whose focus, whilst being on achieving his best on the field, also sees beyond the transient joys of the game to those more lasting.