Wellington Phoenix young gun Luke Brooke-Smith is in like to create history after earning his maiden call-up to the New Zealand squad.
Brooke-Smith has been drafted into the All Whites squad as an injury replacement as New Zealand prepare to face trans-Tasman rivals the Subway Socceroos in a two-game Soccer Ashes series, starting in Canberra on Friday before the return fixture in Auckland four days later.
The 17-year-old sensation – an eight-time national age-group BMX champion – will become the youngest ever men’s player to represent New Zealand if he takes the field in either of the two matches against Australia after joining former Phoenix academy goalkeeper Henry Gray as replacements for Liberato Cacace and Alex Paulsen.
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“Henry and Luke are players we very much see as future All Whites so when it came to looking to name replacements for Libby and Alex we saw it as a great opportunity for them both, especially with them being part of the FIFA U-20 World Cup”, said New Zealand head coach Darren Bazeley.
“Both have earned this opportunity with really strong performances with their clubs, and while both are young, I have no reservations about them having something to offer at this level.
“Henry has been in squads with us previously but this will be the first time for Luke so I look forward to welcoming him to the All Whites and giving him the opportunity to show what he can do.”
