Herbert backs Manama XI for Socceroos clash

Ricki Herbert will start the same 11 players that earned a vital away draw against Bahrain in Manama last October in Monday night’s trans-Tasman FIFA World Cup warm up against Australia.

Photosport

May 23, 2010

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – Ricki Herbert will start the same 11 players that earned a vital away draw against Bahrain in Manama last October in Monday night’s  trans-Tasman FIFA World Cup warm up against Australia.

After trying a different formation and trialling new personnel against Mexico in March, Herbert will revert back to playing a 3-4-3 with Rory Fallon, Shane Smeltz and Chris Killen in a potent front three, with Tim Brown and Simon Elliott – who missed the Wellington leg through injury – as the central midfield pairing.

Leo Bertos and Tony Lochhead will again be employed in wingback roles while Ivan Vicelich and Ben Sigmund will play either side of captain Ryan Nelsen with Mark Paston in goal.

“It was a tough one but I decided to leave a few players out and we’ll look at them as the programme goes forward,” New Zealand coach Ricki Herbert said.

“We’ve gone for a group that’s come off the back of Bahrain. We haven’t had a lot of time together so it gives us an easier way into the campaign.”

“It’s been a long time since November 14, but we’re back on the track and the boys are pretty excited. We’ll be a bit underdone but it’s a good occasion, playing Australia again for the first time in five years.”

While Tommy Smith, who impressed on debut against Mexico, uncapped Winston Reid and teenage striker Chris Wood all pushing hard for inclusion, Herbert indicated the young trio could see some game time but even though the teams are be allowed seven substitutes, including one goalkeeper, Herbert said he wouldn’t make changes “just for the sake of it.”

However, Herbert said he had seen enough from them and others to show that the upcoming four friendlies would be a battle for World Cup starting spots.

“I think from what I’ve seen over the last few days there’s some raw talent in the side and there you could see some variations before we take on Slovakia.
The match kicks off at 9.30pm New Zealand time live on Sky Sport.

New Zealand v Australia
Melbourne Cricket Ground
May 24, 2010
7.30pm local (9.30pm NZT)

New Zealand: 1-Mark PASTON (GK), 2-Ben SIGMUND, 3-Tony LOCHHEAD, 5-Ivan VICELEICH, 6-Ryan NELSEN (captain), 7 Simon ELLIOTT, 8-Tim BROWN, 9-Shane SMELTZ, 10-Chris KILLEN, 11-Leo BERTOS, 14-Rory FALLON.
Substitutes: 4-Winston REID, 12-Glen MOSS (RGK), 13-Andy BARRON, 15-Michael MCGLINCHEY, 16-Aaron CLAPHAM, 17-David MULLIGAN, 18-Andrew BOYENS, 19-Tommy SMITH, 20-Chris WOOD, 21-Jeremy CHRISTIE, 22-Jeremy BROCKIE, 23-James BANNATYNE (RGK).