Newcastle Jets midfielder Bayliss targets All Whites World Cup position

The 23-year-old hails from Sydney, grew up in the humid northern port city of Darwin, and supports Australian Rules football with no trace of a New Zealand accent.

However, Bayliss committed to representing his late fathers homeland a few years back and secured an unexpected place in New Zealands Paris Olympics team.

Receiving his first senior call-up to Bazeleys squad marks yet another welcome development for Bayliss, who aims to claim a spot in the World Cup preparation matches against Finland next week and Chile shortly after at Eden Park.

"It came somewhat unexpectedly since I had not been selected for any training camps," Bayliss shared with Reuters regarding his inclusion on Wednesday.

"Even though I had performed strongly, I hoped it would suffice for an invitation to the camp, and fortunately it did, yet it remains a surprise and a jolt all the same."

Bayliss might be underselling his own achievements, as he has emerged as a standout performer amid the Jets remarkable climb to the summit of the A-League standings this term.

The ex-Central Coast Mariners youth product scored five times over a five-game spell in January and February, and he is enjoying his finest form yet in his third year with the Jets.

With New Zealand deprived of their skipper and record goalscorer Chris Wood owing to a prolonged knee problem, Bazeley could be looking to Bayliss to bring fresh elements to their forward line during the World Cup friendlies.

Bayliss feels far more assured in his play since receiving freedom to advance for a Jets outfit boasting the leagues most prolific offence.

"It has involved more of a role adjustment. In my initial 50 or so A-League appearances, I operated deeper than earlier in my career," he explained.

"I certainly see myself as an offensive midfielder primarily, though I believe I am versatile enough to fill various roles, which explains the frequent positional changes.

"For instance, I have featured at right back, holding midfielder, winger, and even forward.

"Indeed, that reliability combined with consistent outings as an attacking midfielder has enabled me to hit the current peak in form."

Bayliss has displayed excellent timing both during matches and beyond to grasp his opportunity with New Zealand just months before the All Whites stage a comeback at the World Cup, their first since 2010.

New Zealand will face Iran, Belgium, and Egypt in their group, although Irans involvement hangs in doubt after recent assaults by the United States and Israel on the Middle Eastern country.

His birthplace Australia will also compete in the event jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Bayliss brother James, also a midfielder, previously turned out in the A-League for Central Coast in Australia but now competes for Auckland FC in a fresh Oceania competition.

Bayliss noted he held no talks with Australias national team coaches since youth days and feels honoured to don New Zealands silver fern emblem.

"It is certainly agreeable to maintain strong ties to both nations. Many folks push you to choose solely one,

"(I am) simply thankful to have obtained my passport and regret not doing so earlier, to be honest."

(Reporting by Ian Ransom in Melbourne; Editing by ...)