Neil Emblen has confirmed his New Zealand 'A' squad that will face Jordan at North Harbour Stadium next Tuesday.
Seven of the squad played for the All Whites in the final FIFA World Cup qualifier against the Solomon Islands, and the experience levels are boosted by 86-cap veteran Ivan Vicelich, fresh from winning the OFC Champions League with Auckland City.
While Vicelich is a mainstay in the national squad, the match provides a stage for several players to force their way into Ricki Herbert's All Whites thinking ahead of potential matches in the August, September and October windows.
"I think it's an opportunity for individuals to put their hands up and push their claims to be involved in the group for any matches going forward," Emblen said.
"As a coach back in New Zealand you wonder how players are developing overseas that are within professional environments, but playing outside of the first team. We can chart the progress of Winston Reid, Tommy Smith and Chris Wood because we can watch their matches. But we don't get to see guys like James Musa at Fulham U-21's or Hereford, or Cam Howieson in the Burnley youth side."
Although blessed with over 150 'A' international caps throughout the 16-man squad, Emblen is under no illusions about the quality of the opposition for the match.
"Jordan has played 20 full internationals since January last year and beaten Japan and Australia amongst that. They're on the verge of qualifying for Brazil and have a crucial match against the Socceroos the week after, so they'll be a very, very good side," he said.
The All Whites' assistant coach is no stranger to Middle East opposition after guiding his Oly Whites side in international matches against Saudi Arabia and UAE in the lead up to the London Olympics.
"At international level they're all impressive athletes, and have gifted, technical players, but from what I've seen of Jordan on DVD they're quite a physical side as well," said Emblen.
New Zealand 'A' v Jordan, North Harbour Stadium, Auckland, Tuesday, June 4. Kickoff: 7.30pm
New Zealand 'A': 1-Scott Basalaj, 2-Andrew Durante, 3-Aaron Scott, 4-Tim Myers, 6-Ian Hogg, 7-Cameron Howieson, 8-Cameron Lindsay, 9-Luke Rowe, 10-Aaron Clapham, 11-Jake Butler, 12-Jacob Spoonley (gk), 14-Jeremy Christie, 15-Ivan Vicelich, 16-Louis Fenton, 17-Tyler Boyd, 18-James Musa.
Â
