Team Wellington midfielder Andy Barron is on target to be one of the few amateur players to secure a place at the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa, with New Zealand.
The 29-year-old banker has been given special leave by his employers, Westpac Bank, to be part of New Zealand's pre-tournament training camp in Auckland over the next fortnight.
"To be on that plane would be fantastic," Barron said. "Obviously the next two weeks are pretty crucial. It's about personal performance and making sure I bring quality to training and I could be on that plane."
Barron made his international debut for the All Whites against Malaysia in 2006 and was part of the New Zealand squad for the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup in South Africa.
He also came on as New Zealand beat Bahrain during the qualification for the 2010 World Cup and sure he could make a notable contribution to the team.
"I don't want to be there just to make up the 23. I want to be there, getting on the park and playing some of the best teams in the world so I'll be pushing for that as much as I can," he said. "Everyone has turned up in shape, everyone's sharp and there have been good sessions so far."
