Thomas was yesterday included in the New Zealand squad to play Australia’s Socceroos next month in Canberra and Auckland for the Soccer Ashes trophy.
Astonishingly, it is the first time since November 2019 the talented playmaker has been named in the All Whites.
Thomas’ recall comes after the midfielder recovered from a long-term injury, limiting playing time over the past few seasons, and returned to first-team action with PEC Zwolle in the Eredivisie, the top tier of Dutch football.
Head coach Darren Bazeley’s side also features Brisbane Roar defender James McGarry, who has been named for the first time in two years.
The 23-player squad includes seven players now based in the United Kingdom, seven in New Zealand, two in both Australia and the United States, and one in each of Denmark, France, the Netherlands, Norway and Serbia.
Bazeley was delighted to welcome Thomas back to the squad ahead of two big games for his side.
"It is great to be able to name Ryan in an All Whites squad for the first time in a long time.
"Ryan is a special player who I have been in regular contact with since taking on the role and who always wanted to return to the side when he was in a position to do so.
"He has made a strong start to the season and I know he will have a lot to offer this group in two big games that the whole team are looking forward to."
The All Whites face the Socceroos in a two-leg, home-and-away series for the historic Soccer Ashes trophy.
Game one is at Canberra’s GIO Stadium on September 5, followed by the return leg at Mt Smart on September 9.
The winner will be decided by the aggregate score across both games, the second leg going directly to penalties at the end of 90 minutes in the event of a tie.
"Playing Australia is always a big deal but to be able to compete for a trophy, with one game at home, is massive," Bazeley said.
"We want to go out and put in two strong performances to build on the success of the last window and continue our momentum heading into the Fifa World Cup next year."
• All Whites goalkeeper Oli Sail has joined Auckland FC.
The 29-year-old, who had nine seasons with the Wellington Phoenix before a two-year stint with Perth Glory, has been recruited as the Auckland club reorganises in the wake of Alex Paulsen’s departure back to Bournemouth, the English club which had loaned him to Auckland for a season.
Sail will vie with fellow All Whites shot-stopper Michael Woud for the No 1 spot for the coming season.
All Whites
Soccer Ashes squad
Goalkeepers: Max Crocombe, Alex Paulsen, Oli Sail.
Defenders: Callan Elliot, Tim Payne, Tyler Bindon, Michael Boxall, Finn Surman, Liberato Cacace, Francis de Vries, James McGarry.
Midfielders: Joe Bell, Elijah Just, Ben Old, Alex Rufer, Sarpreet Singh, Marko Stamenic, Ryan Thomas.
Forwards: Kosta Barbarouses, Callum McCowatt, Jesse Randall, Logan Rogerson, Chris Wood. — Allied Media
