Defender Tommy Smith is making an early return from international duty with New Zealand, his final-minute goal in the 2-1 victory over New Caledonia having secured a World Cup play-off place for the All Whites.
Coach Ricki Herbert said after that game that he would rest some of his players for the now-meaningless away match against the Solomon Islands on Tuesday and Smith has confirmed that he is now on his way home.
"In Dubai waiting for my flight to London. Wishing the lads all the best in Honiara. Make it a clean sweep boys!” the 22-year-old tweeted.
New Zealand have won all five of their qualifiers so far to top the group and win the right to take on the side from the CONCACAF region who finish fourth in their qualifying process in home and away fixtures in November.
Smith’s early return from the southern hemisphere will please manager Mick McCarthy ahead of the Easter fixtures at home to Leeds and away at Millwall, particularly with on-loan Whites defender Patrick Kisnorbo unavailable against his parent club.