Football: Smeltz raring to go for Phoenix

Shane Smeltz in action for the Phoenix in 2008. Photo / Photosport.

Shane Smeltz still looks the same.

It may be nearly eight years since he scored the last of his 21 goals for the Wellington Phoenix, but the former fan favourite has returned to his first A-League club looking remarkably similar to when he left.

There wasn't an ounce of fat on his now 35-year-old frame as he leapt straight into his first training session with his new Phoenix teammates, clinically netting a couple of goals in trademark fashion. He even, rather annoyingly, requested the same size training shirt he wore here in 2007 - a "small" in case you're wondering - with the only difference being the number. Smeltz will become the first player to wear 99 in the A-League because his favourite number 9 has already been allocated this season to Kosta Barbarouses.

A familiar steely glint also remains in Smeltz's eye as he outlines his reasons for returning.

"I want to add quality to what we've already got (because) I think there's a great squad here. There's a big opportunity to make the top six.

"I've come to add depth to the squad and obviously add my experience as well. Hopefully that can pay dividends at the end of the season."

Smeltz's international ambitions are also as strong as ever with the carrot of the 2017 Confederations Cup dangling tantalisingly in front of him. After being a virtual ever-present for New Zealand under Ricki Herbert, Smeltz has played just once since Anthony Hudson took over, scoring New Zealand's goal in a 1-1 draw with Myanmar in September last year. It was his 24th goal in 51 appearances for his country, placing him second on the all-time goal-scoring list.

But despite a lack of recent international matches, Smeltz is still firmly in the All Whites picture. He was named in the squad for this year's OFC Nations Cup before being ruled out with injury and it's understood Hudson has told him a good few months with the Phoenix will have him in the frame for Russia.

"I'll be working with a number of boys who are involved in the national set-up and I'm in the face of the gaffer (Hudson). I think there's no better place for me to be performing and pushing for the national team.

"I've got the same passion and desire now as I had on day one when I came here (to Wellington) and that hasn't changed for the national team either."

Smeltz can't play for the Phoenix until the transfer window opens on January 4, meaning his first chance for selection will be against one of his former sides, Perth Glory, away on January 5. Interim coach Chris Greenacre confirmed Smeltz would be in contention for the starting side.

"Why not? Why have him here if he can't be in a position to start? But if he doesn't start, he'll definitely be heavily involved," said Greenacre.