All White Lochhead's dad unsure about Tehran

stuff.co.nz - It's the dream of every young New Zealand footballer yet Tauranga's Tony Lochhead had to think twice before accepting his elevation into the All Whites squad.

Lochhead would have leapt at the chance to play for the New Zealand under normal circumstances.

It has been the 21-year-old's dream since he represented New Zealand in the Under-17 world championships in Auckland four years ago.

But his selection in the All Whites yesterday was different.

The All Whites are bound for the Challenge Cup match against Iran in Tehran on October 12.

Safety in the Middle East was a concern and Lochhead's father Jim said it wasn't a cut and dried decision. "Initially, we (the family) were more concerned with where they were playing – there's more to soccer than putting your life at risk," he said today.

"Tony had to ask himself whether he wanted to put himself in that situation, especially given that he's perceived as an American kid (Lochhead plays for California's University of Santa Barbara).

"He talked to his coach, who pointed out that others from the States were going too. He's decided to go."

New Zealand Soccer chief executive Bill MacGowan said the security situation was closely monitored.

Lochhead, a former Tauranga City United defender, was one of four new caps named in the 23-strong All Whites squad, Rupesh Puna, Glen Moss and Allan Pearce being the others.

Another former Tauranga player, Belgium-based Kris Bouckenooghe, has retained his place in the squad.

Lochhead has been in good form at central defence for his club, who are look for a third consecutive Big West Championship.

Lochhead scored his first goal for the team when they beat Cal Poly 2-0, Santa Barbara's sixth straight win this season and 16th consecutive at home since the 2001 campaign.