Blackburn Rovers captain Ryan Nelsen has sparked a club v country row back home in New Zealand after refusing to return for their World Cup qualifiers against Vanuatu.

Nelsen chose to rejected his call-up as he did not want to risk missing out on the birth of his child, given that his wife Monica is due in the very near future.

NZ legend Bobby Almond, who played in the 1982 World Cup, backs Nelson's decision.

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