N Zealand skipper Nelsen OK for Bahrain qualifier

WELLINGTON: Influential New Zealand captain Ryan Nelsen has recovered from a back injury and is clear to play against Bahrain in the first leg of the Asia/Oceania World Cup qualifier in Manama on Saturday.

The 31-year-old missed Blackburn Rovers' 6-2 loss to Arsenal in the English Premier League last week and arrived in Dubai for the All Whites' training camp serious doubt for the game.

The central defender, however, took part in the team's late training session on Wednesday and was given the all clear by medical staff to lead his side out at the National Stadium.