Soccer: New Nix deals for Riera, Boxall

Wellington Phoenix midfielder Albert Riera has been one of the finds of the A-League season and the Spaniard has been rewarded with a one-year extension to his contract. Photo / Getty Images.

Wellington Phoenix midfielder Albert Riera has been one of the finds of the A-League season and the Spaniard has been rewarded with a one-year extension to his contract.

Defender Michael Boxall has also penned a one-year extension as coach Ernie Merrick continues planning for the future.

Since joining the Phoenix from Auckland City, Riera has been a revelation in the defensive midfield role. The 30-year-old was originally signed as midfield backup but soon found himself in the starting lineup and has become an integral member of the side that won three and drawn one of their last four games.

"I was quite happy to come to the club as backup because I knew it would give me the chance to show what I was capable of and to fight for a starting spot,'' Riera said. "I was surprised to go straight in but I am enjoying it and that is down to Ernie.

"He is so positive and talks to players a lot. In one game we were really struggling in the first half and thought we would be told off at halftime.

"Instead he came in and told us to start smiling and to enjoy ourselves. He is a top-class coach and a top-class person.''

Boxall started the season as cover for central defenders Andrew Durante and Ben Sigmund but has played the last two games at right-back in place of the Louis Fenton, who is out for the rest of the season with a shoulder injury.

Boxall rarely got a look in last season and, while it was disappointing, the player accepts he wasn't totally blameless.

"My mindset has changed a lot from last season,'' Boxall said with refreshing honesty. "I have put in more work and it is good to see it paying off and people paying attention to it.

"I had a conversation with Ernie about where the club is heading and where he sees me fitting in and I liked what he said. The change of coach seems to have done me a world of good.

"With the players around me, and Ernie guiding me, I think I can do the job he wants.''