Brown encouraged by progress

11 June 2010 14:58

New Zealand vice-captain Tim Brown is determined to prove his fitness and play in the World Cup.

Brown met with team doctor Celeste Geertsema after touching down in South Africa and it was expected he would be put on a plan to continue to rehabilitate his shoulder.

The midfielder has made a remarkable recovery after surgery following the injury and he said: "I wouldn't want to say it's a medical miracle but it's healing pretty quickly. I'm certainly not healed. They thought it would be a six-week turnaround and we are two-and-a-half weeks into it. But by all accounts it's going really well."

New Zealand have until 24 hours before the first game against Slovakia on Tuesday to decide whether he stays or goes. If they do not think he is ready, Cole Peverley will remain in the 23.

Source: PA