Unwanted by the Matildas, Sydney-born defender Ally Green is set to switch her international allegiance to New Zealand.
Green, a former Australian under-20 representative, is in Townsville with the Football Ferns squad preparing for Friday night’s trans-Tasman series-opening clash against the Matildas at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
Still awaiting FIFA approval for her decision to represent New Zealand, Green won’t play on Friday or in the final game of the series next week in Canberra.
Barring a late change of heart. the 23-year-old fullback – who has just left Sydney FC to join Norwegian club Vålerenga – could make her Football Ferns debut in June.
“It’s an amazing opportunity and one which is impossible to turn down,” said Green, who is eligible to represent New Zealand via her Auckland-born mother Lisa.
“At the end of the camp I will sit down with Jitka (New Zealand coach Jitka Klimková) and see if it’s the right step forward for both of us.
“If I’ve performed well enough in this camp, I’ll change my FIFA nationality and I should be available to play in the next window in June.”
Klimková said she was focused on building her team’s “culture” while in camp.
“Every team faces challenges,” the Football Ferns coach said.
“I think we can respond quicker and more positively when one of us makes a mistake.
“We also want to focus on possession and breaking lines, as well as improving our decision making and building connections and variations in how we play in the final third.”
The Matildas are also keen to “progress” as a team heading towards next year’s World Cup following the disappointment of January’s quarter final exit at the Asian Cup.
Matildas star Tameka Yallop said: “We’ve always got the big picture in mind. We’re working on our game and on our structures. It’sxjmtzyw another opportunity to progress and come together as a team.
“Everyone’s used to that high standard and professionalism. We’ve got a good, competitive environment.”
