Wellington Phoenix captain Andrew Durante has returned to the international fold after being one of four Phoenix players called up to the New Zealand national team to play the Mexico and the United States in October.
Durante made his last All Whites appearance in September 2014 and will be joined by his Wellington teammates Kosta Barbarouses, Michael McGlinchey and Matthew Ridenton for two matches in October.
The four will join the New Zealand squad next week as they travel to the United States for two friendly internationals against Mexico on 9 October (NZ time) and USA on 12 October (NZ time).
Durante revealed that a good break and a strong pre-season with the Phoenix put him in the right frame of mind to put his hand up for international football again.
“I’ve come back in pre-season feeling really refreshed and that’s why I said to Anthony if I could be of any use for upcoming camps I’d make myself available,” Durante said.
All Whites coach Anthony Hudson said that it was an easy decision to include the 34-year-old who has played nine times for New Zealand.
“I have said in the past when he made his decision [to step down from international football] the door would always be open for him,” Hudson said
“I am really pleased that he has come back. He will add a lot to the squad and I am excited to work with him again.”
Phoenix defender Tom Doyle was in contention for selection but suffered a minor hamstring strain last weekend that will keep him out for about two weeks.
