Wellington Phoenix goalkeeper Oli Sail is putting his country first, opting not to chase a spot as an A-League All Star to concentrate on helping the All Whites reach this year's Football World Cup in Qatar.
Sail, 26, has ruled himself out of the running to be selected in this year's All Star match, as a selection of A-League players will face a once in a lifetime opportunity against European football royalty in FC Barcelona.
The 26-time La Liga winners, and five-time European champions will travel to Australia during their pre-season, for an exhibition match against the A-League All Stars on May 25 in Sydney.
But while Phoenix teammates Reno Piscopo, Gael Sandoval, Sam Sutton, Scott Wootton and Ben Waine are all in contention for All Star selection, Sail is looking elsewhere.
The two-cap All Whites keeper is instead intending on heading abroad immediately after the end of the Phoenix's campaign, as New Zealand prepare for a World Cup intercontinental playoff against Costa Rica on June 15.
Victory over Costa Rica will send the All Whites to Qatar later this year, to compete at the Football World Cup finals for just the third time.
And eyeing the chance to create more history for an All Whites team on the rise under coach Danny Hay, Sail didn't need to think twice about what his upcoming priority is.
"It was a simple decision to be honest," Sail said.
"It's an amazing spectacle. Having a football powerhouse like Barcelona come down under and having the opportunity to play them would have been amazing.
"But I've got bigger fish to fry at this point in time. I want to get into camp as soon as possible with the national team, and put my hand up for selection for those upcoming games.
"It's wonderful to be considered among all those men for that group, but it was a simple decision."
Sail won't have an easy time in the battle for the All Whites' No.1 jersey though, with Stefan Marinovic and Michael Woud among his competition for the starting goalkeeper's spot.
Aside from facing Costa Rica, the All Whites will also face Peru in a friendly on June 6, which will serve as vital match practice before their intercontinental playoff.
