Paris Olympics: Football Ferns veteran Hannah Wilkinson misses out on selection

Veteran striker Hannah Wilkinson has been left out of the Football Ferns squad for the upcoming Paris Olympics.

With 122 international caps to her name, Wilkinson has been a fixture for the side over the past 14 years, scoring the winning goal in the historic win over Norway in their World Cup opener in Auckland last year.

But the 32-year-old has missed out on a spot in the 18-strong squad to travel to France.

The group features 10 players who will be part of an Olympic campaign for the first time in Mackenzie Barry, Milly Clegg, Macey Fraser, Ally Green. Jacqui Hand, Grace Jale, Katie Kitching, India Paige-Riley, Malia Steinmetz, and Kate Taylor.

Assistant Michael Mayne will step in as head coach in the absence of Jitka Klimkova, who will delay her return to squad from her leave of absence after an incident that has seen her lose the confidence of her players.

Mayne says the team is excited to get to work and make an impact in Paris.

"I am clear on the outcomes we want to achieve, and we will be doing all we can to collectively accomplish those goals," said Mayne. 

"With this tournament having smaller squads than something like the FIFA Women's World Cup we have had to make some tough decisions, but through our selection process, we have selected 18 players we believe can achieve the outcomes we want and are prepared for the challenges we will face.

"It is great to be able to give over half the squad their Olympic debuts, and I know it will be a proud moment for all of the players and staff to wear the fern in France.  

"There is no doubt this can be a special event for us, and we will draw on the uniqueness of representing the entire New Zealand Olympic team to give us the edge we will need."

The team will play a warm-up game against Zambia on July 14, before beginning their Olympic campaign against Canada on July 26.

They'll also face Colombia (July 29) and hosts France (August 1) in the group stage.

Veteran striker Hannah Wilkinson has been left out of the Football Ferns squad for the upcoming Paris Olympics.

With 122 international caps to her name, Wilkinson has been a fixture for the side over the past 14 years, scoring the winning goal in the historic win over Norway in their World Cup opener in Auckland last year.

But the 32-year-old has missed out on a spot in the 18-strong squad to travel to France.

The group features 10 players who will be part of an Olympic campaign for the first time in Mackenzie Barry, Milly Clegg, Macey Fraser, Ally Green. Jacqui Hand, Grace Jale, Katie Kitching, India Paige-Riley, Malia Steinmetz, and Kate Taylor.

Assistant Michael Mayne will step in as head coach in the absence of Jitka Klimkova, who will delay her return to squad from her leave of absence after an incident that has seen her lose the confidence of her players.

Mayne says the team is excited to get to work and make an impact in Paris.

"I am clear on the outcomes we want to achieve, and we will be doing all we can to collectively accomplish those goals," said Mayne. 

"With this tournament having smaller squads than something like the FIFA Women's World Cup we have had to make some tough decisions, but through our selection process, we have selected 18 players we believe can achieve the outcomes we want and are prepared for the challenges we will face.

"It is great to be able to give over half the squad their Olympic debuts, and I know it will be a proud moment for all of the players and staff to wear the fern in France.  

"There is no doubt this can be a special event for us, and we will draw on the uniqueness of representing the entire New Zealand Olympic team to give us the edge we will need."

The team will play a warm-up game against Zambia on July 14, before beginning their Olympic campaign against Canada on July 26.

They'll also face Colombia (July 29) and hosts France (August 1) in the group stage.

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