Brockie did all he could for Herbert to stay at the Phoenix, popping in goals from all angles in the A-League this season.
But it was not enough and Herbert left the Wellington side late last month, with the Phoenix rock bottom of the competition. He is now fulltime with the All Whites. Brockie said yesterday there had been no tension between Phoenix players and Herbert.
''There is no awkwardness. You know what you get from Ricki and he welcomed us into camp. He has been national team coach for a long time now and we know what he is about.''
Herbert has been somewhat of a cautious coach but with the amount of attacking talent in the All Whites, he may simply be forced to start a more attacking team against New Caledonia in Dunedin tomorrow night.
Brockie is in form but admits he is no certainty to start up front.
''There is a lot of good attacking talent in the All Whites at the moment and if I can get a role in that attacking third, I will be happy.
''But if I am asked to do a midfield role then I am equally as happy or comfortable in that position. Hopefully, [I will] get my first goal for the All Whites and get the monkey off my back.''
Brockie (25) has played 34 games for the All Whites. He has netted 13 times for the Phoenix this season.
At the other end of the field, goalkeeper Glen Moss is enjoying being fit and is hoping for a quiet night at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
Moss, who went to the last World Cup in South Africa but did not play because of suspension in the first two games, said he always enjoyed playing for the All Whites.
''It is good to see everyone again. You get a bit sick of seeing the Phoenix guys so it is good to see someone new, be back around the group,'' he said.
Injuries have frustrated Moss (30) this season. He missed the first 20 rounds of the A-League, before starting the last three games.
''Injuries are frustrating. I've been battling a lot with that and trying to get it right. The last few games I feel I have been getting right with my body and form.''
