Brian Turner has reiterated that injured New Zealand midfielder Tim Brown will be given as much time as possible to prove his fitness ahead of the start of the team's World Cup campaign.

The All Whites vice-captain suffered a fractured right shoulder in the friendly loss to Australia and returned to New Zealand as his team-mates flew to Europe to continue their preparations for the tournament which begins in South Africa on June 11.

"He's an integral part of the team and I think we're all in agreement that we want to give him every opportunity we can so that he can participate," said New Zealand assistant coach Turner.