New Zealand coach Ricki Herbert is confident Adrian Webster can make the step up to international football - despite admitting he has never seen the Darlington midfielder in competitive action.

Webster is expected to play at least some part in the All Whites' friendly with Australia at Fulham's Craven Cottage tonight after an injury crisis swept through Herbert's squad.

Five players have pulled out and Webster is almost certain to become the first Quakers player to represent his country since Jason De Vos appeared for Canada in 1998.

Webster received the surprise call-up last month through New Zealand's oversees identification programme.

And, since linking up with the All Whites squad at Bisham Abbey over the weekend, Herbert has been suitably impressed with Webster.

"Before arriving about all we knew was what we had been told by scouts. What we have seen with our own eyes has been a player capable of representing his country and doing it well," said Herbert.

"Adrian's attitude has matched his determination in training and has certainly given us as a coaching team something to ponder as we consider our options."

If Webster does earn his first international cap tonight, the former Charlton midfielder will complete an amazing 12-month comeback in the game.

Webster overcame a career-threatening knee injury last summer before earning a permanent deal with Quakers after a successful trial. He made 24 appearances last season and has agreed a new one-year deal.

Webster, who gets married in Maidstone tomorrow, said: "I'm enjoying getting to know the other lads in the squad. The feeling in the side is great and the way we are treated is first-class."

Tonight's game will be shown live on Sky Sports 1, kick-off 7.30pm.

* Blackburn defender Ryan Nelsen, the 27-year-old New Zealand captain, has signed a new three-year contract with the Lancashire club.

Read more about the Quakers here.