Clean sheet just as vital says Nelsen

All Whites captain Ryan Nelsen says a clean sheet is as important as an away goal in next month's World Cup playoff series first leg clash in Bahrain.

With away goals counting double in the event of a stalemate in the two-match series, the All Whites will be keen to find the net in Manama on October 11.

But Nelsen said the onus would also be on shutting out out the Bahrainis, who scored two away goals in Saudi Arabia to clinch a berth in the playoffs.

"The goal is to go back to Wellington with a positive result and with all to play for," the Blackburn Rovers skipper said.

"If we get an away goal, it would be fantastic. But if we can stop them from scoring, it would be just as good."

A clean sheet would set up the All Whites for the return leg in Wellington on November 14, which will decide which nation plays in next year's World Cup finals.

Nelsen said he was looking forward to the Bahrain series, which would be akin to "going into the unknown with a massive prize at the end".

"But you don't really [look too far ahead] because you get caught up with things at Blackburn.

"Sure, it's in the back of your mind, but that's where it's good having a day job. After the Arsenal game this weekend, I'll be 100 per cent focused [on the World Cup]."

- © Fairfax NZ News