Blackburn Rovers skipper Ryan Nelsen has come under fire from the New Zealand media after he took the decision to pull out of the Kiwis' games with Vanuatu.

Nelsen has withdrawn from the All Whites squad because his wife, Monica, is about to give birth to their first child.

However, while the decision to stay in England has been criticised by some, Bobby Almond - one of the heroes of New Zealand's 1982 World Cup squad - has leapt to Nelsen's defence.

"I'm sure Ryan's keen to play - he comes across to me as a very genuine, very loyal Kiwi," said Almond.

"I know there are players who will carry on playing football regardless, but Ryan's chosen not to play and it's his decision alone.

"As far as he is concerned his family comes first, even above Blackburn Rovers - and that probably tells you something about the man.

"It really comes down to personal choice. If I was coach of the All Whites I'd be bitterly disappointed. We've got one of the best defenders in England not in our team but you have to respect that decision.

"When you're playing in that kind of elite league you have to accept there's every chance he won't be in World Cup qualifying games.

"If you do get him it's a bonus."

The All Whites play Vanuatu in Port Vila on Saturday, and then again in Wellington on November 21.

Had Nelsen linked up with his international team-mates for the double-header, it would have meant spending more than 50 hours on a plane, which was hardly an ideal scenario anyway, given he recently had hamstring problems.