“Those are always the nicest phone calls,” Bazeley said. “Often you have to let players down in this job and so to bring people in on debut, it’s a privilege.”
It’s a reward for the eye catching start to the season by the capital club, though they have all been on the radar. Sheridan and Walker have previously represented New Zealand at age-group level, though it will be Piper’s first taste of international activity.
“He has moved around positionally he looks like he’s settled up front,” Bazeley said of Piper. “He’s a handful, works tremendously hard and he’s a goal threat. We felt it was the right option, to come in, work with Woodsy and give us something different.
Walker has been picked on potential but he is an exciting prospect.
“We were looking for a wide player, with pace, somebody that could excite the crowd, and he fits that bill,” Bazeley said.
Like Piper and Walker, Bazeley has known Sheridan for a long time – taking him to the 2024 Olympics in Paris – and has noted his progression.
“He’s found his home,” Bazeley said. “He’s playing really well at right back, he gets forward, he fits the mould of what we are looking for in a fullback.”
Sheridan gets his opportunity due to the unavailability of Tim Payne, still settling into life in Paraguay after his major post-World Cup move. Balancing club demands is the primary reason for the absence of many front liners. Joe Bell is coming off a heavy workload in Norway, while Elijah Just has a lot of competition in his favoured position at Swansea. Stamenic has played a lot lately – including on the recent tour to China and Japan – and is also managing a minor back strain, while Ben Old is fighting for a spot at St Etienne.
“Some guys have niggles but mostly it’s around how far it is to travel,” Bazeley explained. “What we’ve seen over the last few years is that when players travel this far, when they go back to their clubs, a lot of the time they lose their starting position because they have been away. So it’s a real balance.”
Sarpreet Singh is a notable withdrawal. It was a difficult decision for the player, who would have relished the chance to face India, where both his parents are from.
“His club have a game in the window,” said Bazeley. “He was desperate to come back because its India but he also knows that he’s just got back in the starting line-up for his club, he’s playing well and he’s fit. So if he leaves, misses the game, how long will it take to win his place back?”.
Ben Waine and Libby Cacace are both injured, while Max Crocombe will not make the trip, with Paulsen seen as the No 1. Veteran centre back Michael Boxall has a game during the window, while Bazeley said it was time to prioritise match time for the younger defenders like Surman and Tyler Bindon. Garbett is the bonus, sorely missed in North America, after the hamstring injury on the eve of the Iran match.
“We were all gutted to see miss out on the Fifa World Cup,” Bazeley said. “It is great he is back so quickly as he is an important player for this team now and going forward.”
The squad features seven Phoenix players, six from Auckland FC and Western Sydney Wanderers forward Liam Gillion, which is partly a pragmatic decision from Bazeley.
“We always try to limit travel unless you are going to get good game time,” Bazeley said. “So does coming from Europe make sense when we’ve got good players here in the A-League? It’s a big opportunity for them. We’ve got 13 World Cup players missing but we have still got plenty of good players coming into camp, with a point to prove.”
All Whites – November international window
Squad
Goalkeepers: Henry Gray, Alex Paulsen, Michael Woud
Defenders: Callan Elliot, Matt Sheridan; Tyler Bindon, Nando Pijnaker, Finn Surman, Bill Tuiloma; Francis de Vries, James McGarry
Midfielders: Lachlan Bayliss, Matt Garbett, Callum McCowatt, Owen Parker-Price, Alex Rufer
Forwards: Liam Gillion, Corban Piper, Jesse Randall, Logan Rogerson, Nathan Walker, Chris Wood
New Zealand vs India series
November 12, 7pm: Go Media Stadium, Auckland
November 15, 4pm: One New Zealand Stadium, Christchurch
Michael Burgess has been a Sports Journalist for the New Zealand Herald since 2005, covering the Olympics, Fifa World Cups, and America’s Cup campaigns. He is a co-host of the Big League podcast.