All Whites midfielder Thomas believes long spell of painful injuries is behind him

Following several knee problems and failed attempts to return the Netherlands based player is carefully hopeful that his fitness will last long enough to reach the tournaments grandest event at the World Cup.

The PEC Zwolle leaders persistence and strong performances in the Dutch premier league earned him a call up from Darren Bazeley to the All Whites team last August almost six years since his previous outing in a match against Ireland.

This showed significant trust in an athlete who had been dismissed multiple times because of his setbacks and extended time away from action.

Thomas mentioned that Bazeleys understanding had assisted him through the dark times when injured or struggling to gain consistency at his club.

"There was a lengthy period when I thought my time with the national side was over," he shared with Reuters.

"I received some conversations with Baze and he made sure to tell me the opportunity remained available. I truly appreciated those discussions with him.

"I never thought I would manage to rejoin the national team. And now being back with these teammates and participating in these matches it is fantastic."

Thomas has come back to his country for matches against Finland and Chile which are New Zealands final preparations at home before the June 11 July 19 World Cup in North America marking the teams first involvement in the finals since 2010.

The journey to rejoin the All Whites has not been completely easy as Thomas sat out games against Ecuador and Colombia in the United States last November amid injury concerns.

During that period Dutch press indicated that Zwolle coach Henry van der Vegt was displeased with him endangering his health during national team commitments.

However Thomas clarified that his words had been misrepresented.

Balancing commitments to club and country can be challenging yet Thomas emphasised he would never skip a New Zealand fixture without good reason.

"It is always difficult. If you are fully healthy then you head off (for international matches) and suffer from a rough challenge and damage a ligament or similar everyones going to say you should not have travelled," he explained.

"Representing the national team is an honour. There are always highs and lows and opinions from others.

"But as long as I am healthy I will always make myself available."

Previously limiting his training to protect his physique Thomas now completes demanding sessions between fixtures and it is yielding results.

This suggests positive prospects for securing a position in Bazeleys World Cup lineup though Thomas is wisely avoiding any assumptions.

"There are numerous talented players excelling at their clubs. If individuals are not (delivering) Baze has alternative choices," he noted.

"We cannot afford to ease up assuming qualification for the World Cup is certain."