The former captain Tommy Smith's time in the international wilderness is over, with All Whites coach Anthony Hudson recalling the Ipswich Town defender to the national football side.
A year ago Hudson left Smith out of his squad saying he wouldn't pick him again, citing a lack of commitment to the team.
Late last year though Hudson softened his stance after meeting with Smith in England and he's now named him in the squad for this month's home and away world cup qualifiers against Fiji.
Hudson said he wouldn't change the way he handled the situation and is confident Smith will be welcomed back into the squad by senior players.
The All Whites Tommy Smith. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
"The situation changed when Tommy reached out to me and we met in England and we had a really good meeting and I trusted him, believed what he told me...aside from that scenario he is a good character.
Hudson said he consulted senior players in the All Whites squad before recalling Smith and "everyone is on board."
Hudson said the squad is the strongest he has named in his time in charge.
Captain Winston Reid and veteran striker Shane Smeltz are both back.
West Ham's Winston Reid is back with the All Whites. Photo: Photosport
"It is the best squad we have had since I have been here," said Hudson.
"We have got quality all around the pitch, we have depth and competition for places, and the best thing about this squad is we have a good blend of experience and youth. There is energy, quality and hunger in this squad so I'm very pleased."
At the top end of the age range is 35 year old Smeltz.
All Whites striker Shane Smeltz. Photo: Photosport
The veteran of 51 internationals for New Zealand with 24 goals, makes his second squad under Hudson as circumstance and bad luck have limited his chances.
"Shane came with us to Myanmar and what I saw there was a guy who is a top pro and was great around the camp. I really enjoyed working with him and his performances of late have been great. You would not think that he is the age that he is judging by the way he is playing."
There are two newcomers in winger Jai Ingham (Melbourne Victory FC) and defender Dane Ingham (Brisbane Roar FC).
They are the first brothers to be named in an All Whites squad since Neil and Kenny Harlock in 1997.
Australian-born Jai (23) and Dane (17) qualify for New Zealand through their New Zealand-born mother.
Hudson said they have been watching them for some time.
"Jai has been progressing with his club and his performances have been very good. In recent time he is getting more and more time on the pitch and his performances have been very strong. He is a dynamic player, a very attacking player and he is someone who suits how we want to play.
Melbourne Victory's Jai Ingham and his brother Dan, who plays for Brisbane Roar, are newcomers to the All Whites squad. Photo: Supplied
"Recently when Dane made his debut for the Roar, for me 20 - 30 minutes into the game and I was sold. I had seen enough. He is a really good player. I have said all along that I wouldn't be adding unless they add to the squad and these two players do that. I have seen enough to know that they can come in and improve what we are doing."
The All Whites will assemble in Wellington for a training camp on March 19 before travelling to Fiji on March 24th.
All Whites squad:
Goalkeepers:
Stefan Marinovic (SpVgg Unterhaching, Germany).
Tamati Williams (RKC Waalwijk, Netherlands).
Glen Moss (Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand).
Defenders:
Andrew Durante (Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand).
Thomas Doyle (Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand).
Michael Boxall (SuperSport Utd, South Africa).
Kip Colvey (San Jose Earthquakes FC, USA).
Themi Tzimopoulos (PAS Giannina FC, Greece).
Deklan Wynne (Vancouver Whitecaps FC, Canada).
Winston Reid © (West Ham United, England).
Sam Brotherton (Sunderland AFC, England).
Tommy Smith (Ipswich Town FC, England).
Dane Ingham (Brisbane Roar FC, Australia).
Midfielders
Bill Tuiloma (Marseille, France).
Clayton Lewis (Auckland City FC, New Zealand).
Michael McGlinchey (Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand).
Moses Dyer (Eastern Suburbs AFC, New Zealand).
Ryan Thomas (PEC Zwolle, Netherlands).
Forwards
Chris Wood (Leeds Utd, England).
Monty Patterson (Ipswich Town FC, England).
Marco Rojas (Melbourne Victory FC, Australia).
Shane Smeltz (Wellington Phoenix FC, New Zealand).
Jai Ingham (Melbourne Victory FC, Australia.
All Whites v Fiji - OFC Stage Three Qualifiers:
Game 1
When: Saturday 25 March, kick off 1pm (2pm NZ time)
Where: Churchill Park, Lautoka, Fiji
Game 2
When: Tuesday 28 March, kick off 7.35pm
Where: Westpac Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand
