Key All Whites stars needing to prove fitness

Key All Whites Chris Wood and Winston Reid will need to come through two training sessions, before their selection can be confirmed for the clash with Ireland.

Wood, who recently signed a new contract with Burnley and has started the English Premier League season in strong form, will be monitored closely after being unable to finish an extended training run yesterday.

Wood left the field halfway through the session, saying he had felt some pain in his upper leg. He received treatment from the physio for a few minutes, before retiring to the bench.

Reid was moving well, showing no signs of adverse effects from the lingering knee problems that have keep him sidelined for 18 months.

But facing full blooded contact in a match is another matter, and coach Danny Hay and Reid will need to be certain of his readiness, rather than take unnecessary risks, as the player plots his return to action with West Ham.

Meanwhile, Hay could select two debutants in his starting team for tomorrow’s match (NZT).

Junior All Whites captain Joe Bell is likely to get the nod in central midfield, while Phoenix youngster Callum McCowatt is a strong option to be part of the front three.

Bell has made great strides since the Under-20 World Cup in Poland, and has edged ahead of Alex Rufer for the holding midfield spot.

McCowatt’s star has been on the rise for a while, and the absence of Kosta Barbarouses has opened the door for the 20-year-old.

Reid and Michael Boxall will anchor the defence (with Tommy Smith or Bill Tuiloma to come in if

Reid is not passed fit) with Storm Roux and Liberato Cacace the probable options outside them.

There are four players contesting the two central midfield spots (Ryan Thomas, Sarpreet Singh, Michael McGlinchey and Matt Ridenton) with Thomas and Singh the leading contenders.

Forwards Marco Rojas and Wood should round out the team.

The standout feature of Tuesday’s session was the emphasis on keeping possession. Players were berated for putting in hopeful, early crosses, when there was an option to recycle and all were encouraged to be brave in possession.

“It’s good to see that we are trying to play this way,” said McGlinchey. “It’s very positive for this team.”

The All Whites will have their final session today before a captain’s run at the match venue the Aviva Stadium in the afternoon.