New Zealand national team veteran Simon Elliott says he is not considering retirement just yet.

The 36-year old midfielder, who is still without a club after stints with LA Galaxy, Columbus Crew, Fulham and San Jose Earthquakes, is happy in his role for the All Whites who he believes will be in good shape once the next World Cup rolls around in 2014.

"It's such fun being in this environment and you don't want to give that up, but at the same time you don't want to be selfish and hanging around for no good reason," Elliott said.

"When you're at the start of your career and you get to experience a World Cup, it's great. There are not too many more important occasions you'll come across in football.

"From what I've seen, it's not that individual A can't do it, it's that he hasn't done it before. But these guys have been there and done it now."

In particular, Elliott was speaking of young midfielders Aaron Clapham and Michael McGlinchey who he sees as the future of NZ football.

"It's great to see the potential and confidence to do positive things, so I can see great futures for them. For me, getting guys like Claps and Mikey taking people on, getting crosses in, and creating and scoring goals is important," he added.