Messi, Kaka and Rooney are being left in the shadow of the Kiwi Womble as former AFC Wimbledon striker Shane Smeltz continues to stun footballing fans the world over.

Smeltz hit international headlines over the weekend after scoring in New Zealand’s 1-1 draw with World Champions Italy - the shock result of this year’s World Cup.

Just days earlier a last minute equaliser against Slovakia, and as he keeps the dreams of the 2,500-1 underdogs alive, Dons fans are throwing their weight behind the All Whites.

“I'm going to keep believing and I know everyone else is,” said Smeltz, who scored his first World Cup goal when he nipped in behind Fabio Cannavaro in the seventh minute.

“I don't think anyone outside our group expected this, and that was fair coming up against the world champions, but this group of players is a little bit different. There is a massive belief in this team and desire to achieve and want to do well. I think we wanted the game more than the Italians and that showed.”

Writing on AFC fans’ page, the Guest Book, Bob M said: “Hopefully the fundraising team are on the ball and a Shane Smeltz Kiwi World Cup shirt is on its way to be auctioned at the next fundraising event.”

Smeltz next plays on Thursday when a draw against Paraguay could be enough to send his team to the tournament’s knock-out stages.

AFC Wimbledon commercial director, Ivor Heller, said: “Shane used to do the same for us week in and week out in the combined counties league so it`s no surprise to see him flourish on the world stage.

“In all seriousness, he was a fantastic goal scorer but also set up so many. He was a thoroughly decent guy too and we`re delighted to see the Kiwi Womble succeed at International level.”

Smeltz scored 26 goals in 50 appearances for the Dons and only a missed penalty denied him a hat-trick on his debut for the club in 2005.