Ricki Herbert is refusing to let the chance of a home semifinal in the A-League Pre-Season Cup cloud his long-term thinking.
As coach of the Wellington Phoenix, Herbert knows a good result in tonight's cup game against unbeaten Queensland Roar at Christchurch's QEII Park would book his team
a place in the last four. Depending on the other group B result, it could even hand the capital side home advantage.
"While that would be nice, there is a much bigger picture to consider," said Herbert yesterday.
"All along our planning has been aimed at the start of the A-League season proper. We don't want to deviate from that.
"But, having said that, I'm happy with what we have achieved so far and, like any coach, I would welcome the chance to play a semifinal at home.
"Given the crowd we had at the [Westpac] stadium last week, I'm sure we would double that. But we can't lose sight of the big picture at this early stage."
Herbert and his players go into tonight's third, and last, pool game equal with Central Coast Mariners at the top of the table.
A win over the Roar would ensure a semifinal spot.
In their two matches thus far, the Queenslanders have had a 0-0 home draw with Sydney FC - whom the Phoenix beat 3-0 last week - and a 1-1 away draw with the Central Coast.
The Phoenix will be without Brazilian defender Cleberson who has a minor hamstring strain.
His place will be taken by Steve O'Dor who returns after a one-match suspension following his two yellow cards in the first-up 2-0 loss to Central Coast.
Greg Draper has been released by Herbert for the game but it seems certain he and fellow New Zealand under-20 international, goalkeeper Jacob Spoonley, will be offered contracts early next week before the Tuesday registration deadline.
Other than the defensive switch, the Phoenix will start with the same team who did the job against Sydney.
Queensland coach Frank Farina has dropped Tahj Minniecon, replacing him with Michael Zullo. He also welcomes Hyuk-Su-Seo back from injury. The Roar will be without experienced campaigner Ante Milicic, who is out for a week through injury.
The match kicks off at 7pm.
