CHRIS Wood will return from international duty earlier after New Zealand coach Anthony Hudson released him from the All Whites squad.

Wood was in inspired form for New Zealand last week, scoring a hat-trick in a 6-1 win over the Solomon Island in the first leg of the OFC Final Stage of World Cup qualifying.

Having helped his side to a comfortable advantage Wood, who took his international tally to 23, has been released from the squad for the second leg, along with Ryan Thomas, who plays for PEC Zwolle in Holland.

New Zealand will look to finish the job in the second leg on Tuesday, with the winners facing the fifth placed side in South American qualifying in a play-off for a spot at next summer's World Cup.

“I have made the decision to release Chris and Ryan as we have the players within this group to win the game and finish the job. I wanted to either rest them on the bench or send them back early and I’ve decided to do the latter.” said Hudson.

“We’re not taking anything for granted and it’s a matter of pride that we prepare correctly and go there to win. We know it is not going to be easy in Honiara and the objective for this group of players is simple; perform well, win the game and confirm our place in the Intercontinental Playoff.

"No one in our squad is thinking about November yet and we can’t afford to with what is at stake in this match.”

Wood's early return will give him extra time to prepare for Burnley's Premier League clash with Crystal Palace on Sunday, having scored on his top flight debut against Tottenham at Wembley.