Sligo Rovers leading scorer Max Mata and defender Nando Pijnaker have both been called up to the New Zealand senior international squad for their upcoming friendly international against China.
The 24-strong Kiwi squad also includes Nottingham Forest’s Chris Wood – and Alex Greive, who plays with St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership.
Mata has made a strong start for Rovers to the new League of Ireland season, scoring a hat-trick in their recent win (3-2) away to UCD, and he was the team’s stand-out performer in last Monday night’s 2-1 home victory against St Patrick’s Athletic.
Pijnaker has also impressed in the early part of the season – and was named Player of the Season’ in Rovers opening 1-1 draw against Shamrock Rovers.
