Boxall refusal underlines availability debate for Schmid

In just his second assignment as All Whites coach, Fritz Schmid has been caught up in a club versus country debate.

Senior player Michael Boxall won’t feature at the upcoming four-nations tournament in India, after being refused permission to join the national team by his Major League Soccer club Minnesota United.

Minnesota aren’t compelled to refuse Boxall as the Mumbai event isn’t in a Fifa window but Schmid was frustrated at the lack of flexibility.

Schmid didn’t consider the majority of New Zealand’s MLS contingent, as the season is ongoing, but had targeted Boxall, captain against Canada in March, in the absence of Winston Reid and Chris Wood.

“He was one player that we absolutely tried to reach out and have on board,” said Schmid. “Michael was available in Spain and he had made it very clear that he has a strong commitment to the team, the project and the All Whites. We were also clear I would call him [this time].

“I spoke to the club and explained I know that we can’t expect him to be released but seeing how he took responsibility [and a] leadership role in the first camp, it was very obvious that he would be called.

“It’s the club that decides whether to release him or not, and if the club decide to keep him back, we are not on the high ground here. I regret that he is being held back by the club. It is definitely not his decision, I know he is very committed.”

Boxall’s absence accentuates the green look of easily one of the most inexperienced All Whites squad.

There are six uncapped players, and a further four who made their debuts in the March friendly. Only four players — Cameron Howieson,

Clayton Lewis, Sam Brotherton and Moses Dyer — have 10 or more caps, and there are just three who were part of the intercontinental World Cup playoff against Peru in November. Wood was taking a break. “A holiday is what he needs and deserves. He hasn’t had a break for

three years” said Schmid.

Michael McGlinchey is in Scotland, with his wife expecting a child, while Ryan Thomas is injured. Storm Roux has to undergo surgery on a longstanding injury. Marco Rojas, Jeremy Brockie and Themi Tzimopoulos are also unavailable.

Noah Billingsley is one of the bolters, with the University of California striker surprisingly preferred ahead of Logan Rogerson or Callum McCowatt but Schmid said it was an opportunity to assess Billingsley.

Schoolboy Phoenix defender Liberato Cacace continued his remarkable rise with a call-up.

Schimd is targeting the low-profile event as a chance to assess the younger footballing stocks in this country, with the 2020 Olympics a priority early in this four-year cycle.

Schimd also confirmed the appointment of Roger Spry as a third assistant coach. The 67-year-old, who worked alongside Schmid for the Austrian federation, will be based in England, liaising with Kiwis in the Northern Hemisphere.

Spry is one of 13 support staff for the tour, where the All Whites face India, Kenya and Taiwan, as well as a possible final.