The former Newcastle Jets and Wellington Phoenix striker won't be part of the squad which heads to South Africa next year but he has no regrets, with his focus now on the future of New Zealand football rather than its past.

What was your reaction when the final whistle went in Wellington on Saturday night Vaughan?

Oh, it was just fantastic. It's a huge deal for football in New Zealand. I remember the build up to the World Cup finals in 1982. The country got right behind the team then and I'm sure it'll be as big, hopefully bigger this time. I'm sure it will.

Any regrets that you weren't part of it and resentment that you won't get the chance to play at the World Cup?

I've been asked that question quite a bit in the last few days. I can honestly say the answer is 'no'. I was very proud and honoured to play for my country and that's something I'll always treasure. I played my part, did my best and when I decided to retire, it was time for others to take it on. I'm delighted that they have.

Qualification will bring a greater spotlight on New Zealand football and there's also the millions in extra cash.  How important is it to take full advantage of the opportunity?

I think it is vital that the money is used to help the game at all levels. We want a strong national team but we also want the best for the grass roots level too. We have a lot of kids playing the game in New Zealand and you want the best for them and their development.

Football in Australia rose to a whole new level after the Socceroos qualified for the 2006 World Cup. Any lessons to be learned from that?

Most definitely. Look where Australian football is now - you have the national team qualifying again, the A-League as well and obviously the structure in place is an effective one. I think New Zealand can learn from that. Look at the coaching, the influences, the technical side of the game. I think you can definitely look to Australia as a model - both at international and club level. If you want success, then study a successful business. Take Melbourne Victory for example. I'm sure those wanting ideas on the way to structure a successful club can look at them and take ideas from that model.

Australia's success seemed to coincide with a switch to Asia from Oceania. Should New Zealand look to do the same?

I think there has been a change in that Oceania teams have improved over the last 10 years or so but you look at Australia and they've come on leaps and bounds (since switching). They're playing teams well inside the top 100. We'll have to see but I'd say yes (to Asia).

You are a coach yourself now (recently appointed as South Melbourne boss). Can you appreciate how difficult a task Ricki Herbert had?

I don't think you really appreciate the challenges involved in the job until you go into it. You are having to do the training but also all the other things like dealing with agents, the admin, all sorts of things. It's enjoyable but yes, there are plenty of challenges.

You are New Zealand's greatest ever goalscorer. Are you worried some bloke called Shane Smeltz might have an eye on your record?

(Laughs). Not at all. It's true when they say records are there to be broken. If Shane goes on to beat my total (Coveny scored 28, Smeltz currently has 15) then I will be delighted for him. That's because I know how hard he has worked for his success, I've obviously played with him and he is a family friend. Shane is an exceptional striker. He deserves everything he has achieved so far.

There's growing calls for a pre-World Cup warm up match between the Socceroos and the All Whites. Is that something you'd like to see?

Definitely. It seems a long time since the two countries played each other and you can imagine the level of interest with both teams going to the World Cup as well. I think it would get great backing whether in Australia or maybe in Wellington.  A full house hopefully.