29 Feb 2012

Nelsen jets in for Jamaica match

6:08 am on 29 February 2012

The All Whites skipper Ryan Nelsen admits preparation hasn't been ideal and tonight's friendly against Jamaica is going to be tough for his side.

Like England-based teammates Chris Wood, Tommy Smith and Winston Reid, Nelsen made the journey halfway around the world to join up with players from clubs in Russia, China, USA, Australia and New Zealand, although the 45 cap veteran only arrived in time for last night's Captain's run.

Nelsen says it's not ideal with everyone flying in and having such limited time together and they're playing some really good opposition in the 50th ranked Jamaicans.

The Tottenham defender says expectations are high with people expecting a result and that's the kind of pressure you want.

With only Shane Smeltz under an injury cloud - team medical staff will assess his ankle strain again today - New Zealand coach Ricki Herbert has arguably his toughest selection choice since the 2010 World Cup with competition for starting spots high right across the park