Rory Fallon celebrates his famous goal against Bahrain in Wellington that qualified New Zealand for the 2010 Worlds Cup.

All Whites World Cup hero Rory Fallon has had his career resurrected by a deal with Bristol Rovers and wants to play for New Zealand again.

The striker scored New Zealand’s goal in the 1-0 win over Bahrain that sent the All Whites to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

He has been out of action for a year with a cruciate ligament injury and feared his career was finished.

His last competitive match was for Scunthorpe United in October 2014.

But the former Barnsley and Plymouth player has been training with league two outfit Bristol Rovers and done enough to convince manager Darrell Clarke he’s worth a shot.

 “He’s a very experienced footballer and someone who I would call an old-fashioned striker. He will give us different options during games, especially when I want to change formations or personnel and he adds further competition to my squad,” Clarke said as Bristol Rovers announced  Fallon had been given a deal on non-contract terms that meant he was on an incentive-based stay.

He could be thrust into action this weekend and that can’t come fast enough for Fallon, son of former All Whites coach Kevin.

“There was many a night that I was laid in my bed thinking it was the end,” Fallon told the Bristol Post.

“I didn’t want to end my career on an injury because I felt I still had a lot to offer.

“The injury was hard to deal with mentally but I count it as a blessing because I have learned a lot about myself. It has given me a period of restoration and reflection and that has only increased my hunger for the game. When something has been taken away from you it only makes you want it more and that is how I feel.

“I have always appreciated the opportunities that I have been given as a footballer, but the time out has really brought home just what a fantastic job it is. It’s been a long road back and pulling on a shirt on Saturday will be a relief and a bit surreal.”

Fallon’s other clubs include Swindon Town, Swansea City, Yeovil Town, Aberdeen, St Johnstone and Crawley Town.

He said he still had ambitions to add to his 18 caps for the All Whites and believed he could help Anthony Hudson’s drive to get New Zealand to the next World Cup.

“I’d love to get back into the international set-up,” Fallon told the Bristol Post.

 “I have been speaking to the coach and I hope that by doing well here I can put myself in the shop window.

“The Confederations Cup is not too far away and there are also World Cup qualifiers to work towards and that only makes me more purpose-driven to do well for Bristol Rovers.”

 – Stuff

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