Dons keeper earns international recall

AFC Wimbledon keeper Nik Tzanev has been called up to the New Zealand squad for their international friendlies against Qatar and Sweden.

The 26-year-old made his debut – and his only cap to date – for the All Whites in a 1-0 win over Chinese Taipei in 2018.

Tzanev made 39 appearances for Wimbledon in League Two last season, keeping 13 clean sheets as the club finished 21st in the division.

The former Sutton loanee has made 117 appearances in all competitions for the Dons and became the first choice between the sticks at Plough Lane after Mark Robinson was appointed as Glyn Hodges’ replacement.

This is Tzanev’s first recall since 2021. He has been on the bench six times for New Zealand.

Head coach Darren Bazeley said: “I’m pleased with the squad we have assembled and great to be bringing back in some players who haven’t been part of the environment for a while in Francis, Max and Nik. 

“It is always special to call someone up for their debut so I want to congratulate Finn Surman who was brilliant at the FIFA U-20 World Cup, both on and off the pitch, and who I have every confidence will be able to step up to the senior All Whites environment.“