Graham Arnold has said he will not force anyone to play for Australia over other nations as he revealed Gianni Stensness has yet to receive official clearance to complete his switch from New Zealand to the Socceroos.
Stensness declared last week his intention to change allegiance to Australia having represented New Zealand at the Olympic Games - a move All Whites coach Danny Hay called a "kick in the guts."
The Australian-born 22-year-old, who was eligible to play for New Zealand through his father, was not included in Hay's 21-man squad for October friendlies against Curacao and Bahrain after deciding to represent Australia at senior level.
Administrative delays have kept the defender out of the Australian squad for this month's World Cup qualifiers against Oman and Japan, but Arnold revealed he had been in discussions with Stensness - a near-neighbour in Sydney - for some time.
"I spoke to him three days ago and we're still waiting for the paperwork from FIFA for his clearance that he can play for Australia," said Arnold.
"It's very fortunate that he lives in the same area as me and we caught up and we've had those discussions about him playing for Australia and he's chosen to play for Australia."
Stensness could be joined in future Socceroos squads by Dinamo Zagreb's Deni Juric, who is also being pursued by Croatia, with Arnold looking to strengthen his squad as the Australians attempt to qualify for a fifth straight World Cup.
"At the end of the day it's his decision," said Arnold. "Which country, which badge he puts on his heart is going to feel the right badge.
"I'd never force anyone to do something that they don't really believe in because if I do that then they're not going to feel comfortable in that shirt and they're not going to give 100 percent if they're forced into it."
Reuters
