Winger Marco Rojas has welcomed his new All Whites team mates and is looking forward to seeing their fresh energy on the pitch when they take on Ireland and Lithuania this week.

With seven uncapped players in the squad under a new coach passionate about putting on an attacking display, there’s a real sense of anticipation.

“It's great for New Zealand football, we’ve got some really exciting talent – it’s a fresh injection of youth and a great new look for the team,” Rojas says.  

Joining the likes of Rojas and Burnley striker Chris Wood, the attacking talent includes Callum McCowatt, Max Mata, Elijah Just, Elliott Collier and Andre de Jong, meaning Danny Hay will have strike power to burn for the two matches.

Rojas has a great appreciation for the passion and determination of Hay, who captained the All Whites during an illustrious playing career.

“Danny's got a playing style in mind and he wants to push that through. We’ve got the young players and some players who are in good leagues. We’ve got a lot to learn but hopefully we can do that,” Rojas says.

“He’s a really passionate man, you can sense the drive every time he speaks, it’s only going to be positive having him pushing and driving us through training, meetings, everything. We’re all really excited about it.”

However, the 28-year-old has found there is one price to pay with so many fresh faces about.

“The only downside is that it’s put me into the group of the older players, I’m not too pleased about that! It’s a shock to the system for me but it’s great for New Zealand football,” he says.

“It's really nice being back with the All Whites, with old friends, good friends and people you grew up with playing football in New Zealand. I'm looking forward to the rest of this week and what will hopefully be a successful campaign.”

Currently playing in Denmark with SønderjyskE, Rojas is adjusting to a new deeper role and the different demands that come with it.

“I’ve always tried to take on responsibilities, regarding how it’s going to push me and how much I can learn," he says.

"Playing as a box-to-box midfielder is something a little bit new. In the end it’s only going to make me a better player and I’ve enjoyed the challenge.” 

The All Whites play the Republic of Ireland on Friday morning and Lithuania on Monday morning (both NZT), with live coverage on Sky Sport.

Match Details

vs Republic of Ireland
Thursday 14 November, 7.45pm (Friday 15 November, 8.45am NZT)
Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Live on Sky Sport

vs Lithuania
Sunday 17 November, 4pm (Monday 18 November, 3am NZT)
Lithuania National Stadium, Vilnius
Live on Sky Sport

New Zealand (from): 1. Stefan Marinovic (GK), 2. Winston Reid (c), 3. Liberato Cacace, 4. Nando Pijnaker, 5. Michael Boxall, 6. Bill Tuiloma, 7. Joe Bell, 8. Michael McGlinchey, 9. Chris Wood, 10. Sarpreet Singh, 11. Marco Rojas, 12. Callum McCowatt, 13. James McGarry, 14. Ryan Thomas, 15. Andre de Jong, 16. Tim Payne, 17. Max Mata, 18. Elliot Collier, 19. Alex Rufer, 20. Tommy Smith, 21. Storm Roux, 22. Elijah Just, 23. Matt Ridenton, 24. Michael Woud (GK)
Coach: Danny Hay

Article added: Thursday 14 November 2019