Blues youngster Monty Patterson has been forced to pull out of the New Zealand squad facing Fiji in home and away World Cup qualifiers due to a hamstring injury.
"I’m gutted for Monty as I know he was really looking forward to meeting up with the national team,” All Whites coach Anthony Hudson said.
"But as always, it becomes an opportunity for someone else. I’m pleased to bring Alex [Rufer from the Wellington Phoenix] in and he’s a natural replacement in midfield.”
Patterson, who can also operate up front, is currently on loan with Vanarama National League Braintree Town and has missed the Iron’s last two matches.
The 20-year-old, who is yet to make his senior Town debut, has previously won nine caps and one international goal.
Disappointed having to pull out of the squad due to injury but wishing the boys all the best in the up coming games against Fiji👊ðŸ¼#allwhites
— Monty Patterson (@PattersonMonty) March 19, 2017
New Zealand, whose squad still includes Town defender Tommy Smith, face the Fijians in Laukota on Saturday 25th March, then in Wellington on the following Tuesday.