Wellington Phoenix fullback Tim Payne has been named in the All Whites squad for New Zealand’s upcoming internationals against two top 40 ranked men’s nations.
The 83rd ranked All Whites will face Poland (FIFA ranked 36) and Norway (FIFA ranked 31) in Europe next month as the team continues to take advantage of every international window in the lead up to next year’s FIFA World Cup.
Payne is one of only two A-League players selected in Darren Bazeley’s 23-strong squad for the internationals, with the coach favouring northern hemisphere based players for this window.
Payne started both of New Zealand’s matches against the Socceroos earlier this month and has made the right back spot his own over the past 12 months.
He will assemble with the All Whites in Europe after the men’s pre-season match against Western Sydney Wanderers this weekend and will rejoin the Phoenix in Perth ahead of their Isuzu UTE A-League season opener against the Glory on Saturday, October 18.
New Zealand will play Poland in Chorzów on Friday, October 10 at 7:45am NZT before playing Norway in Oslo on Wednesday, October 15 at 5am NZT.
Both matches will be broadcast live on TVNZ+ and FIFA+.
