By support

9th Oct, 2016 | 1:19pm

Leeds star shines for national team in narrow defeat

By Will Butcher

Chris Wood played for New Zealand against Mexico on Saturday and registered an impressive performance, despite ending up on the losing side.

The All Whites held their own against Giovani dos Santos and co, with Leeds’ number nine causing a number of problems for Mexico’s defence.

Wood, who lined up alongside West Ham star Winston Reid after they were announced to start on the All Whites’ official Twitter account, was unable to prevent his side losing narrowly to the North American giants.

Leeds’ top scorer played an integral part in New Zealand’s equaliser, winning the ball back midway inside the Mexico half within the first minute of the second half.

His pass set left-back Liam Graham away on the left flank, and the Chesterfield defender’s inch-perfect cross allowed Marco Rojas to slide the ball home.

The former Leicester striker looked sharp after a fine run of form for Garry Monk’s side has seen Wood score seven goals in just 13 league and cup encounters.

Wood, 24, scored in all four games in Leeds’ impressive winning streak last month that saw off the likes of Cardiff, Blackburn and Ipswich.

New Zealand are set to stay in North America as they prepare for their second game of the international break against the United States on Wednesday, with Wood likely to feature once again.

In other Leeds news, this loan star also impressed for his national side as they began their 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign in emphatic style.