Two teenage debutants have been named in Darren Bazeley's first squad as permanent head coach of the All Whites for upcoming international friendlies against the Democratic Republic of Congo and Australia.
Eighteen-year-old defender Tyler Bindon and 19-year-old Fulham FC midfielder Matt Dibley-Dias have been named in the 22-strong squad to play DR Congo in Spain on October 14 (NZ time) and Australia in London on October 18.
Born in New Zealand to mother Jenny Bindon – who played 77 times for the Football Ferns – Bindon represented the US at age-group level. He currently plays for Reading in England's League One.
The squad also features the return of a host of key players who were unavailable during the June window, including Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood, Sarpreet Singh, and Niko Kirwan.
But with the Wellington Phoenix in the thick of their preparations for the new A-League season, which starts shortly after the fixtures, none of their players have been named - most notably goalkeeper Oli Sail.
Midfielder Joe Bell is unavailable due to personal reasons after recently moving to a new club and country in Europe.
"It is great to announce the squad for these games and bring in some new and returning players for the window," said Bazeley.
"I think it speaks to the strength of Kiwi talent around the world that we are able to name a really strong squad even when we don't call up our A-League Men players.
"It is great to see how much young Kiwi talent there is pushing for All Whites selection."
All Whites squad to play DR Congo, Australia:
Goalkeepers: Max Crocombe, Michael Woud, Nik Tzanev
Defenders: Bill Tuiloma, James McGarry, Liberato Cacace, Michael Boxall, Nando Pijnaker, Niko Kirwan, Tommy Smith, Tyler Bindon
Midfielders: Callum McCowatt, Marko Stamenic, Matthew Dibley-Dias, Matthew Garbett, Sarpreet Singh
Forwards: Alex Greive, Ben Waine, Chris Wood, Elijah Just, Joe Champness, Max Mata
