Wellington, March 1 NZPA - Auckland City players Jason Hayne and Chad Coombes have been called into the All Whites soccer squad to play Mexico in Pasadena, California, on Thursday (NZT), but injury has stalled Craig Henderson's debut.

New Zealand coach Ricki Herbert had hoped to take a look at Sweden-based midfielder Henderson for his World Cup squad, but the midfielder who was already working his way back from groin surgery twisted a knee in training.

"It's unfortunate timing for Craig, but the most important thing is his well being," Herbert said.

"I've always been positive about what Craig might offer the squad and this won't count against him long-term."

Herbert will now pass that immediate chance to Hayne, 23, and Coombes, 26, who impressed during Auckland City's fifth place finish at the Club World Cup in Abu Dhabi late last year.

"The form of Jason and Chad needs to be acknowledged and it gives them a wonderful opportunity to impress. It's a huge step up to international football so we'll be able to see if they can bridge that gap or if it's a bridge too far."

Hayne celebrated his call up with a goal in Auckland City's 1-1 draw against Manawatu yesterday.

While the New Zealand squad are already missing defender Ryan Nelsen and goalkeeeper Mark Paston through injury, and 75-cap defender Ivan Vicelich through a one-game suspension, Mexico - who dispatched Bolivia 5-0 last week with local players - will be close to full strength with the majority of their European-based stars on display.

"It'll be immensely tough for us," said Herbert, "and we won't have our first eleven, but there's a positive for us whatever happens in that there is a huge opportunity for players."

The New Zealand-based All Whites were to depart for Mexico today.