Sarpreet Singh in action for New Zealand in 2021. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Midfielder Sarpreet Singh is set to play his first game for the All Whites in almost two years.
The German-based midfielder has been included in Darren Bazeley's first squad since becoming permanent head coach for games in October against the Democratic Republic of Congo and Australia.
Singh has been hit by various injuries since the start of 2022.
New Zealand striker Chris Wood playing for Nottingham Forest Photo: PHOTOSPORT
He's joined in the squad by Chris Wood, Joe Champness, Niko Kirwan, James McGarry and Michael Woud who all missed action in the June international window.
Bazeley hasn't included any A-League players who will be involved in pre-season games for their clubs, while midfielder Joe Bell is unavailable after recently changing clubs.
Bazeley has called up two players for their senior international debuts..... Fulham's 19-year-old midfielder Matthew Dibley-Dias and Reading's 18-year-old defender Tyler Bindon.
"It's great to have players like James McGarry, Joe Champness, Michael Woud, Niko Kirwan and Sarpreet Singh back in the squad for the first time in a while, especially with Niko and Sarpreet coming back from long-term injuries.
"I think it speaks to the strength of Kiwi talent around the world that we are able to name a really strong squad even when we don't call up our A-League Men players.
The full 22-player squad is:
Goalkeepers:
Max Crocombe (2 caps) Burton Albion FC, England
Michael Woud (4 caps) Ventforet Kofu, Japan
Nik Tzanev (1 cap) AFC Wimbledon, England
Defenders:
Bill Tuiloma (37 caps) Charlotte FC, USA
James McGarry (1 cap) Aberdeen FC, Scotland
Liberato Cacace (15 caps) Empoli FC, Italy
Michael Boxall (43 caps) Minnesota United, USA
Nando Pijnaker (12 caps) Sligo Rovers, Ireland
Niko Kirwan (8 caps) Calcio Padova, Italy
Tommy Smith (50 caps) MK Dons, England
Tyler Bindon* (0 caps) Reading FC, England
Midfielders:
Callum McCowatt (12 caps) Silkeborg IF, Denmark
Marko Stamenic (14 caps) FK Crvena zvezda / Red Star Belgrade, Serbia
Matthew Dibley-Dias* (0 caps) Fulham FC, England
Matthew Garbett (15 caps) NAC Breda, Netherlands
Sarpreet Singh (9 caps) FC Hansa Rostock, Germany
Forwards:
Alex Greive (10 caps) St Mirren FC, Scotland
Ben Waine (8 caps) Plymouth Argyle, England
Chris Wood (70 caps) Nottingham Forest, England
Eli Just (16 caps) AC Horsens, Denmark
Joe Champness (6 caps) Adanaspor, Turkey
Max Mata (4 caps) Shrewsbury Town, England
*Debut senior international call-up
FIXTURES
13th October All Whites v DR Congo, Spain
17th October Australia v All Whites, London, England
