Premier League stars light the way for All Whites

Follow the leaders and the All Whites might just have a chance.

As Anthony Hudson sat down to chat to the media for one final time before the All Whites take the field against Peru, repeating the sentiment that New Zealand is indeed capable of qualifying for the World Cup, the national team coach was flanked by the two players who fuel that belief.

They might not be a Sergio Aguero, Alexis Sanchez or Harry Kane. But Chris Wood and Winston Reid are still Premier League stars in their own right, plying their trade for Burnley and West Ham United.

They go toe-to-toe with the world’s best on a weekly basis and earn millions of pounds for it. Without them, it would be game over before it began. With them, the All Whites could pull off a miracle.

Unlike Reid, Wood was involved in the past two intercontinental playoffs, against Bahrain in 2009 and Mexico in 2013. But this occasion is different. Not only are Peru a better team, ranked 10th in the world, but he is a much better player himself.

‘‘It was eight years ago now since I was into the Bahrain game, and a lot has changed. I’ve got a lot older, which is not good. But it is nice to call on my experiences of those eight years and keep progressing to make it right here,’’ said Wood, who is embracing the expectation.

‘‘At the end of the day this is our home so we love coming back and playing in front of our home crowd. It’s what we cherish and relish.’’

Reid had not yet committed his allegiance to New Zealand when the All Whites beat Bahrain and he was injured when they met Mexico. But he is here now.

‘‘It’s a long time since I’ve been back playing in New Zealand so I really wanted to stay fit and make the trip down. Obviously I’m here now, the team is fit and, as Anthony said, I think we’ve prepared the best way possible,’’ Reid said.

For many potential starters, the likes of Clayton Lewis, Ryan Thomas, Storm Roux, Deklan Wynne, Kip Colvey, Dane Ingham and Stefan Marinovic, this will be one of the biggest games of their lives. But Reid said he and rest of the senior playing group would lead by example and provide guidance where necessary.

‘‘I’d be more nervous if we didn’t prepare right. We’ve been working hard. We’ve done all our homework. That gives me good confidence in the group. It’s a game and we have to go out and execute the gameplan and go out and play to our strengths.’’