6 Aug 2008

Pelter out, Draper in as Oly-Whites find security tight

3:23 pm on 6 August 2008

The Phoenix football striker Greg Draper is headed for Shenyang as cover for the injured New Zealand forward Jack Pelter.

Pelter's Olympics are over before they began thanks to a groin injury.

The New Zealand men's footballers open their Games campaign against China on Thursday night.

Coach Stu Jacobs says their hosts are keeping a very close eye on the teams. Wherever they go security goes with them.

Jacobs says the Chinese aren't keen to let the players leave their hotels except for training, in light of recent terrorist attacks in China.

The women's national side play Japan on Wednesday night to kick off New Zealand's Olympic campaign at Qinhaungdao.