Northland's Shay Neal has been handed an Olympic lifeline.
Neal has been called into the New Zealand men's hockey team for the Azlan Shah Tournament in place of Blair Hilton.
Hilton is currently recovering in a Malaysian hospital after having his appendix removed last night.
Neal says while it's a terrible blow for Hilton, he's ready to take his chance with the Olympic team named next month.
"Unfortunate for Blair but I guess it's a great opportunity for me, especially so close to the Olympics and with nothing to lose really and everything to give over there so hopefully it goes well."
Neal flies out for Malaysia this afternoon but will miss the Black Sticks opening match against India tonight.