Leo Bertos is expected to become the first ever former Dale player to play in the World Cup when he turns out for New Zealand against Slovakia this afternoon.

Bertos has been a regular for New Zealand since making his debut for them during his time with Dale, and has been identified as a key player for the All Whites by the BBC. He currently plays for Wellington Phoenix and has been a regular for them in the New Zealand A-League.

It was back in 2003 when he was signed for Dale by then manager Alan Buckley, before becoming a regular throughout the following two seasons. He made a total of 89 appearances for us, with fourteen goals as well including the crucial goal in an away win at Kidderminster which all but sealed our survival for that season.

The game against Slovakia kicks off at 12:30 this afternoon and is being shown live on BBC.

Photo: Action Images

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