Blues youngster Monty Patterson looks set to win his third full cap when New Zealand take on the Solomon Islands in their final group game at the Oceania Nations Cup in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea on Saturday morning.
The 19-year-old midfielder or striker, who is yet to make a senior appearance for Town, made his All Whites debut in their opening game 3-1 victory over Fiji and came on as a second-half sub in the subsequent 5-0 win against Vanuatu.
New Zealand currently top their group and given their goal difference are already effectively through to next Wednesday’s semi-finals.
Head coach Anthony Hudson has indicated that he intends to field a much-changed side. Former Blues loanee Rory Fallon is set to skipper with another ex-Town loan man Chris Wood missing with a shoulder injury and perhaps out of the tournament.
The tournament doubles up as Oceania's second round of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup, while the winner will represent the Oceania Football Confederation at the 2017 Confederations Cup, which like the World Cup will be in Russia.
Patterson returned to action for Town’s U21s in the closing weeks of the season having spent seven months out with a serious ankle injury.