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Darren Bazeley has admitted George Stanger has stepped up to the Premiership with ease and that is what has won him his first full New Zealand call-up. ‌

The 25-year-old has previously played for the All-Whites at under-20 and 23 level, but has now been selected for the full squad for the first time. ‌

Bazeley has been impressed with the Kilmarnock defender and has taken him into his squad for the Poland friendly tomorrow (Thursday) and Norway on Tuesday. ‌

The New Zealand national coach is no stranger to Stanger. He explained: “I have known George for a long time. He played for me at the first under-20s.

“I was also with him when we went to Olympics in Tokyo back in 2021. He played over there and did well.

“George was then toiling away in the lower leagues

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