Phoenix goalkeeper Alex Paulsen. Photo: Photosport / Marty Melville
The early season form of Phoenix goalkeeper Alex Paulsen has earnt him a callup to the All Whites squad for games against Greece and Ireland later this month.
Paulsen, 21, and defenders Tim Payne and Finn Surman, are the three Phoenix players in the 23 strong squad.
It's not the first time Paulsen has been called up to the senior squad witoh the age-group international being an unused substitute in the All Whites' two internationals against Australia last year.
He was also on the bench for New Zealand's match against China in Wellington in March but he is yet to take the field.
The trio weren't considered for New Zealand's matches against DR Congo and Australia last month as head coach Darren Bazeley didn't select any players from the A-League.
New Zealand sit 101st on the FIFA world rankings and play Greece, who are 51, in Athens on November 18.
Four days later they play Ireland, ranked 58, in Dubin.
All Whites head coach Darren Bazeley. Photo: Photosport Ltd 2017
"It is great to welcome back some of the A-League Men players now that their season is underway" said Bazeley.
"These are another two good games against tough European sides but tests like this are only going to improve us as a team as we look towards FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying starting next year.
"It is also pleasing to have six players in this squad who will be eligible for next year's Paris 2024 Olympic Games as we continue to look to build the alignment between our senior and age group sides."
Six players in the squad will be eligible for U-23 selection for the Paris Olympics - Tyler Bindon, Matt Garbett, Alex Paulsen, Marko Stamenic, Finn Surman and Ben Waine.
The full 23-player squad is:
Goalkeepers:
Max Crocombe (2 caps) Burton Albion FC, England
Alex Paulsen (0 caps) Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand
Michael Woud (5 caps) Ventforet Kofu, Japan
Defenders:
Tyler Bindon (2 caps) Reading FC, England
Michael Boxall (45 caps) Minnesota United, USA
Liberato Cacace (17 caps) Empoli FC, Italy
Tim Payne (33 caps) Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand
Nando Pijnaker (14 caps) Sligo Rovers, Ireland
Tommy Smith (50 caps) MK Dons, England
Finn Surman (0 caps) Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand
Dalton Wilkins (2 caps) Kolding IF, Denmark
Midfielders:
Joe Bell (15 caps) Viking FK, Norway
Matthew Garbett (16 caps) NAC Breda, Netherlands
Clayton Lewis (24 caps) Macarthur FC, Australia
Callum McCowatt (14 caps) Silkeborg IF, Denmark
Sarpreet Singh (10 caps) FC Hansa Rostock, Germany
Marko Stamenic (16 caps) FK Crvena zvezda / Red Star Belgrade, Serbia
Forwards:
Joe Champness (8 caps) Adanaspor, Turkey
Alex Greive (11 caps) St Mirren FC, Scotland
Eli Just (18 caps) AC Horsens, Denmark
Max Mata (6 caps) Shrewsbury Town, England
Ben Waine (10 caps) Plymouth Argyle, England
Chris Wood (72 caps) Nottingham Forest, England
