RORY Fallon believes that New Zealand's qualification for next summer's World Cup finals will have a positive effect on Argyle's Championship form.

The Pilgrims' tall Kiwi striker headed his country to South Africa 2010 last weekend, scoring the winning goal in a 1-0 intercontinental play-off against Bahrain.

Rory's 44th-minute goal in Wellington ensured an aggregate 1-0 victory over two legs for the All Whites, who had previously drawn 0-0 in the Middle East.

"I'm still buzzing over it," admitted Rory, as he prepared for Saturday's visit to Leicester with Argyle, "but I have got to concentrate on my football for Plymouth now, and my training.

"I know that, if I take my foot off the accelerator, my form is going to go out, so I know I've got to keep concentrating and keep working hard.

"I can't get ahead of myself. I am one of those players who gets his head down and works hard. I know that, without Argyle, I can't do that.

"I can't say it enough that I just want to concentrate on my club because I know that, if I play well for my club...The Championship is one of the best leagues in the world, and I know that, if I do well in that, I will do well in the World Cup.

"I want to be at my peak. I want to be going into a World Cup, playing in the Football League as best I can - 100%. I can't just rest, thinking 'I'm in the team' - I want to do well.

"Without Argyle, I can't do the other stuff."

Rory - a committed Christian - was watched in Wellington by father Kevin, who was the All Whites' coach on the only other occasion New Zealand qualified for the World Cup finals.

"He is just so happy for me," said Rory. "He says it's one of the best events ever - I will never forget it.

"My dad took them to the World Cup in 1982 and now his son gets us into the World Cup. You can't write these scripts.

"God writes these scripts for me. I have to say that the big guy is looking after me. People say there is no such thing as God - there is a God, and he's writing my scripts.

"He's got me where I am and I am so thankful I am part of his plans."

The Wellington win touched the heart of the New Zealand nation.

"I've never played in a game with such atmosphere," said Rory. "I've played against Arsenal and that was amazing but nothing could capture the emotion in [Wellington].

"Football's had it tough for the last 27 years, so to do this is massive for the country. The next morning, we had 60,000 for a parade - that's how much it means to people.

"Throughout the World, there are Kiwis everywhere and I know they were all watching. It's just a special time for New Zealand football, and a special time for me."

Not getting ahead of himself might be Rory's priority, but he is still allowing himself a small look ahead to next summer and who minnows New Zealand might play.

"I'd love to get Australia and England," he said. "That would be my dream.

"I'm just happy to be there. I don't care who we get - it's going to be an amazing time."