Brockie gets New Zealand recall

Brockie, who was named on a shortlist of nominees for the Caf African Player of the Year – Based in Africa, has not received a New Zealand call-up since the All Whites won the OFC Nations Cup last year.

“I’m over the moon really – I love playing for my country and never turn down an opportunity because it’s the top honour in football,” Brockie told New Zealand football.

“As the windows came and passed, my hope started to deteriorate pretty quickly, but I’ve always kept an eye on what the boys have been doing and when I got the call it was like being called up for the first time again I guess. I never gave up hope I’d get another chance and it’s two massive games for the country so I’m really looking forward to it.

“I knew all I had to do was continue performing for my club and, if the opportunity came about again to come into camp, show that I’ve still got what it takes to be part of this squad,” added Brockie.

Brockie is hoping to make an impact on his return to the All Whites squad.

“I’ve played in a couple of World Cup qualifying campaigns now and, even with my club over the past six or seven months, have been to some pretty rough places in Africa in front of massive crowds and have won a lot of trophies recently too. So I guess I’ll bring experience and will look to help the squad wherever possible.

“But if I can get a little chance off the bench in one of these two games then I can hopefully play my part in getting us to a World Cup,” concluded Brockie.

New Zealand and Peru are set to meet in Wellington on Saturday before they clash again in Peru in the return leg four days later.