Sydney FC's Ally Green switches international allegiance to New Zealand

Joshua Mayne

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Sydney FC's Ally Green switches international allegiance to New Zealand image

Ally Green is set to switch her international allegiance to New Zealand, having yet to receive a first-team opportunity with the Matildas.

The Sydney-born defender previously represented Australia at youth level and is currently playing as a left-back for A-League Women side Sydney FC.

The 23-year-old will join the Football Ferns camp in April as a training player whilst she waits for FIFA to officially approve her move.

New Zealand will play two friendlies against the Matildas next month in Townsville and Canberra.

Green was originally approached by former New Zealand coach Tom Sermanni two years ago, but a switch never transpired due to the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic.

By the time the FIFA World Cup rolls around in 2023 - which will be hosted by Australia and New Zealand - Green will be 25-years-old.

Speaking to AAP, she explained why now was the best time to pull the trigger.

"I'd probably always had my sights on the Matildas but over the last few months that's taken a turn in my own mind," Green said.

"I took the decision which I thought was best for my development and playing for a national team opens up so many opportunities.

"I've done enough to impress the national coach of NZ and I've heard nothing but great things about her.

"That was too good to resist and having not been selected in a camp for the Matildas in the last four years off the back of what I thought was good, consistent ALW performances, I don't want to wait any longer."

Green takes to the field for Sydney FC in the A-League Women grand final on Sunday.

The Sky Blues won 11 of their 14 regular-season games, and now face Melbourne Victory at Jubilee Stadium in the decider.

Sydney FC come into the match as favourites, but notably lost last year's season finale 1-0 to the Victory.

Joshua Mayne

Joshua Mayne Photo

Joshua Mayne is a content producer for The Sporting News Australia based in Sydney, Australia. He has previously worked as a newsreader at 2SER and journalist at Ministry of Sport. While Joshua’s main passions are football, rugby league, basketball and F1, he will watch any sport that's on. He is still waiting for Arsenal to win the Premier League again.