Five Wellington Phoenix players have been named in the All Whites squad to play friendly matches against Ireland and Lithuania later this month.
Wellington Phoenix players Stefan Marinovic, Alex Rufer, Liberato Cacace, Louis Fenton and Callum McCowatt have been named to the squad under head coach Danny Hay, which also features ex-Phoenix striker Sarpreet Singh who is currently playing in Germany.
20-year-old striker McCowatt is one of seven players yet to be capped at senior level, as part of Hay’s emphasis on youth for this squad.
Marinovic will be making his 25th appearance for the All Whites as their first choice goalkeeper, while midfielder Rufer will make his seventh appearance. 19-year-old Cacace will make his third appearance, following a solid showing at the U-23 Olympic qualifiers in September.
Phoenix midfielder Fenton is also in line to make his 8th appearance for the All Whites, but his availability is pending a scan on an injury suffered in last weekend’s A-League match against Melbourne City.
Overall there are ten individuals in this All Whites squad who are, or have been, part of the Wellington Phoenix first team – with Michael McGlinchey, Michael Boxall, Marco Rojas and Matt Ridenton also named.
Wellington Phoenix coach Ufuk Talay says that the players see it as an honour to represent their country doing something they love.
“I’m very happy for our players to get this type of exposure with the All Whites, it’s good for them as individuals and obviously it’s good for us as well.”
Hay will lead his group of 24 players in away matches against Ireland on 14th November, and Lithuania on 17th November.
Wellington Phoenix Players Included In All Whites Squad
Alex Rufer
Callum McCowatt
Stefan Marinovic
Liberato Cacace
Louis Fenton
