A season that began disappointingly for Wellington Phoenix youngster Louis Fenton took a massive upturn today when he was called into the All Whites squad for Wednesday’s World Cup qualifier against Mexico at Westpac Stadium.
A season that began disappointingly for Wellington Phoenix youngster Louis Fenton took a massive upturn today when he was called into the All Whites squad for Wednesday-s World Cup qualifier against Mexico at Westpac Stadium.
Fenton, 20, missed his club-s opening games in the Hyundai A-League season after dislocating his shoulder in a pre-season hit out against a New Zealand A side in Rotorua.
After spending the opening three A-League rounds pounding the outskirts of the Phoenix- Newton Park training base, Fenton regained his place in the starting line-up though a lack of match fitness told against him in the 1-1 draw with Perth Glory in Christchurch last week.
Now Fenton could be called into the All Whites starting XI that must turn around a four-goal deficit if it is to qualify for next year-s World Cup finals in Brazil.
“It is amazing that something like this could happen,” Fenton said.
“Having to train on my own in those first few weeks after the shoulder injury was awful, and I was just glad to be back playing and in the Phoenix first team squad.
“To be picked for New Zealand is a great feeling and if I can get on the field it will be even better.”
If Fenton-s middle names are anything to go by he has the pedigree to be an international footballer.
With a Hungarian-born mother, Fenton-s father got the green light to name his son Louis Ferenc Puskas after the legendary Hungary and Real Madrid star.
Now it is up to Fenton to stamp his own name on the international scene and, given the determination and talent he has shown since signing with the Phoenix last season, it would be unwise to bet against him doing just that.
Looking at the task the All Whites face on Wednesday Fenton said nothing was impossible.
“Everyone knows that football is the one sport where upsets can occur,” he said.
“With a big crowd behind the team who knows what might happen if we can get an early goal.”
