Introductions on both sides as Reid joins All Whites

NZPA
Last updated 19:25 20/05/2010

Of all the All Whites going to the football World Cup, perhaps the most intriguing selection is that of uncapped defender Winston Reid.

Before March, when the former Danish age-group representative declared a switch in allegiance to New Zealand, few in this country would have heard about an Auckland-born centreback with Maori heritage plying his trade in Denmark.

Reid, who joined up with the 22 other South Africa-bound All Whites in Auckland today, admitted that a few introductions would have to be made.

"I don't actually know the names of all of them," he said.

"I've seen a couple of them. Within the next couple of days I'll probably learn most of the names."

Reid, 21, moved to Denmark with his mother and Danish stepfather when he was 10.

He became a Danish citizen in 2006 and represented Denmark as under-19 and under-21 level.

After a rule change by world body Fifa, Reid became eligible for the All Whites because he had not played for Denmark at senior level.

The same change has allowed Rory Fallon and Tommy Smith, who appeared at age group level for England, and Michael McGlinchey, who did the same for Scotland, to be available for New Zealand.

Reid, who is with Danish Super League club Midtjylland, said he thought long and hard before deciding to throw his hand with New Zealand.

"I've lived in both countries half my life and I care about both countries, so of course it was a difficult decision," he said.

"It's not a decision you can make in a week or a couple of days. I needed to take my time but in the end I made the right one."

It wasn't any one thing that swayed him.

"I followed my gut feeling and thought of which country I could contribute to most."

When he found out he had made coach Ricki Herbert's squad, his reaction was one of feeling "great accomplishment".

"To play for the national team is the greatest achievement a player can have."

Reid's arrival in New Zealand was delayed by a day as a result of the ongoing disruptions with European flights because of Iceland's volcanic ash.

He didn't touch down in Auckland until 5am today, but was out training with his new teammates a few hours later, wanting to run some of the journey out of his body.

He didn't think he would have any problems with fitting into the All White environment, given the welcome he had had.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/sport/football/3721592/Introductions-on-both-sides-as-Reid-joins-All-Whites