Newcastle midfielder Lachlan Bayliss has been called up to the All Whites ahead of June's FIFA World Cup – and he says his Kiwi dad "would be very proud".
The 23-year-old's joining coach Darren Bazeley's squad after impressing for the table-topping Jets in the A-League.
"I honestly didn't really realise I could play for New Zealand. I hadn't got my Kiwi passport," Bayliss told 1News.
Born and raised in Australia, he qualifies for New Zealand through his dad. He sorted out his paperwork in time to represent New Zealand at the Paris Olympics.
But today’s inclusion in the All Whites holds extra significance after losing his dad a few years ago.
“It would mean everything [to represent New Zealand]. I definitely feel a strong connection with New Zealand through him."
Bayliss said his father "would be very proud of me".
"It would be special if he was able to watch it but I think it’s pretty surreal, makes me feel pretty proud that I’m able to represent him and New Zealand," Bayliss said.
With five goals this season, the Australian is a pivotal part of Newcastle’s attack – and now he has a chance to prove himself in New Zealand's national colours as the World Cup looms around the corner.
"That's the challenge we set players [to] go and perform and go and affect the game. He's a great example of someone who’s gone and done that and his reward is he will come in, in March.” Bazeley said.
A number of starting players will miss the upcoming FIFA Series against Chile and Finland in Auckland, including Michael Boxall, Liberato Cacace, Matt Garbett, Nando Pijnaker, Sarpreet Singh, and Chris Wood.
Bazeley said it was "not ideal", adding that the team "did want everyone fit and ready for this window".
"It’s the last window before we leave for America. I'm confident they’ll all be fit for the actual World Cup."
* All New Zealand games at the FIFA World Cup will be available to watch live and free on TVNZ+ and TVNZ 1.
All Whites' March FIFA Series squad
Kosta BARBAROUSES (70 caps, 9 goals) Western Sydney Wanderers, Australia
Lachlan BAYLISS (debut) Newcastle Jets, Australia
Joe BELL (28/1) Viking FK, Norway
Tyler BINDON (20/3) Sheffield United, England (on loan from Nottingham Forest)
Max CROCOMBE (19/0) Millwall, England
Andre DE JONG (11/2) Orlando Pirates, South Africa
Francis DE VRIES (15/1) Auckland FC, Aotearoa New Zealand
Callan ELLIOT (7/0) Auckland FC, Aotearoa New Zealand
Eli JUST (38/8) Motherwell, Scotland
Callum MCCOWATT (28/4) Silkeborg IF, Denmark
James MCGARRY (3/0) Brisbane Roar, Australia
Ben OLD (18/1) AS Saint-Étienne, France
Alex PAULSEN (5/0) Lechia Gdańsk, Poland (on loan from AFC Bournemouth)
Tim PAYNE (48/3) Wellington Phoenix, Aotearoa New Zealand
Jesse RANDALL (5/1) Auckland FC, Aotearoa New Zealand
Logan ROGERSON (16/2) Auckland FC, Aotearoa New Zealand
Alex RUFER (22/0) Wellington Phoenix, Aotearoa New Zealand
Marko STAMENIĆ (33/3) Swansea City, Wales
Finn SURMAN (13/2) Portland Timbers, USA
Ryan THOMAS (23/3) PEC Zwolle, Netherlands
Bill TUILOMA (45/4) Wellington Phoenix, Aotearoa New Zealand
Ben WAINE (26/8) Port Vale, England
Michael WOUD (6/0) Auckland FC, Aotearoa New Zealand
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