New Zealand face a play-off against Costa Rica on Tuesday night, as the All Whites aim to seal their place at a World Cup for the first time since 2010. Should they achieve that goal, they will be heading to Qatar with a former Leeds United man as their manager.
Danny Hay is an easily forgotten ex-Leeds player, as despite having been at the club from 1999-2002, he only managed seven appearances in a Whites shirt. However, despite his few appearances, Hay did appear for the club in the Champions League against Barcelona, as he came on as a late substitute for Lucas Radebe. He completed 90 minutes for the club just once, starting in the 2-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday in 99/00 as Alan Smith scored twice to defeat the Owls in the Premier League.
Injuries played a major role in Hay's lack of appearances for the Whites but he was considered a squad depth player, rather than a genuine first-team option. However, he is recognised as the first New Zealand born player to have earned a contract for a Premier League club. After leaving Leeds, he continued in English football, making 50 appearances for Walsall in the First Division (what is now the Championship).
