By Andrew Gourdie
Born and bred in Australia, Vince Lia's called New Zealand home since 2007.
Now he's ready to don the black and white, and wave goodbye to the green and gold
“There’s been no hard part for me, it’s a no brainer for me,” Lia says.
Lia captained Australia in world cups at Under 17 and Under 20 level, but the potential opportunity to play for New Zealand at the 2014 World Cup is too good to ignore.
Coach Ricki Herbert raised the idea with a tongue in cheek comment during a Phoenix trip to Perth
“I guess if he wasn't the coach, then I don't really know if I would've thought about doing it,” Lia says.
“I have Ricki to thank if it all goes through.”
Under FIFA rules, Lia can represent New Zealand once he's lived in the country for five years.
New Zealand Football will apply to change Lia's nationality once the 26-year-old's gained New Zealand citizenship.
If the process goes smoothly, Lia could be available to play for the All Whites in May - just in time for the Oceania Nations Cup.
Traditionally a midfielder for the Phoenix, Herbert's eyeing him to fill the troublesome right fullback position for the All Whites
“I think he's a prospect to do that I think in year two at the Phoenix and part of year one he played at right back for us and did a good job,” Herbert says.
But that's five months away, plenty of time to learn God Defend New Zealand before Lia becomes a New Zealand defender.
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