WHEN Adrian Webster links up with the New Zealand squad in London next month, the Darlington midfielder will be capping a fairytale comeback in the game.

It was 12 months ago that the 24-year-old flew to England from Australia for surgery on a career-threatening knee injury.

While the former Charlton player was undergoing treatment, manager David Hodgson offered Webster the opportunity to resurrect his career in the North-East with Quakers.

After proving his fitness during a successful trial spell in October, Webster was initially offered a short-term deal, before signing until the end of the season following a string of impressive performances in the first-team.

Webster's personal success story took another unexpected twist at the weekend when he was called up by New Zealand for the forthcoming friendly with Australia, to be held at Fulham's Craven Cottage on June 9.

"The call-up caps a great year for me to be honest," said Webster. "There was a time when I didn't even know if I was going to play again, but the last 12 months have just got better and better."

All Whites coach Ricki Herbert has named an 18-man squad, while Webster is one of several other players who have been invited to train next month.

"It came as a complete surprise to be honest, but I'm delighted and can't wait to be involved," said Webster. "I spoke to the New Zealand coach over the weekend and he wanted to know whether I wanted to play for the country.

"I didn't even though they were playing over here and I thought it was some sort of wind-up at first.

"It's great news and will be a great honour to be involved."

Just 24 hours after the friendly, Webster will be swapping his boots for his vows when he gets married in Maidstone.

He joked: "My fianc is quite happy about it because she knows I'll be training instead of drinking before the wedding!"

And, as Quakers aim to pip Northampton for a play-off place this weekend, Webster hopes a trip to the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff will also feature in his wedding preparations.

"The family are due over on the June 20 and they're really hoping to come and watch me in the play-off final," said Webster. "Hopefully they will have two games to take in."