New Zealand coach Danny Hay is surprised Newcastle striker Chris Wood has committed to their friendlies in the UAE this week.

While Newcastle are having a team bonding camp in Saudi Arabia, Wood chose to commit to two friendlies with NZ in Dubai.

Hay said, "If you look at the move that he's just made I think we are all aware of the money that has changed hands and the pressure and expectations that he is going to be under.

"I would have thought he would have wanted to have spent a little bit of time with his club side, but that for me is the incredible thing how much he loves playing for his country and what it means to him.

"For him to forego probably some big benefits inside Newcastle's camp by forming good relationships or furthering relationships with his teammates and with the management is huge.

"Chris has got such a strong, strong, strong desire to get back to a World Cup, and I think he sees this window as a particularly important part of it."