Young guns to start against Mexico

Published: 1:19PM Wednesday June 01, 2011 Source: ONE Sport

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  New Zealand Under 23 representative Michael Boxall - Source: Photosport

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All Whites coach Ricki Herbert has handed Michael Boxall and Michael Fitzgerald their first starts in naming his line up for an international against Mexico on Thursday (NZT).

The pair made their debuts from the bench against China in March and now get their first run-on appearances on the flanks of a four man midfield at Denver's Invesco Field.

Fitzgerald will play on the left hand side after performing a similar role on the right as a second half substitute against China, while Boxall lines up on the opposite flank.

Normally a right-sided central defender but capable of playing fullback as he did occasionally for the 2008 Olympic team, Boxall wasn't fazed about adapting to the wing-back cum midfielder role.

"It's always a big honour to get your first start for your national team and to be honest I don't really care what position it is," Boxall said.

"I'm just going to go out there and do the best I can. I'm sure good things will come from it. I have faith in my team mates and they have faith in me and we'll just go out there and do a job."

Kosta Barbarouses wins his third cap in a front three combination featuring Shane Smeltz and Barbarouses' former New Zealand U-17 team mate Chris Wood.

Tim Brown is expected to captain the side from central midfield, where he will partner Simon Elliott, while New Zealand's most capped player Ivan Vicelich anchors a defensive three with Winston Reid and Andrew Boyens outside him. Goalkeeper Glen Moss wins his 18th cap.

Despite a long list of injuries, the All Whites have the luxury of firepower on the bench with Chris Killen, Michael McGlinchey and Jeremy Brockie among the substitutes as coach Ricki Herbert keeps some powder dry to balance the demands of two internationals in three days on different sides of the world.

"The group is quite depleted. It's probably the most difficult position we've been in terms of players missing. But Michael Fitzgerald and Michael Boxall come straight into the side and Kosta starts," said Herbert.

"As we've said before we left New Zealand, the priority is to give these players exposure at this level, and they are going to get it."

"We know a lot about Chris [Killen] and Jeremy [Brockie] and we're starting to know a little bit more about Michael [McGlinchey]. Those three will probably play a more major role in the Australia game on Sunday."

"Somewhere along the line, Michael Boxall needs exposure at this level and Michael Fitzgerald the same, while Kosta adds an exciting element."

Midfielder Craig Henderson is struggling with a hamstring strain and is not available for selection.