26 Sep 2023

Sarpreet Singh returns to All Whites

10:06 am on 26 September 2023
Sarpreet Singh in action for New Zealand in 2021.

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

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