Soccer: Dadi keen to shine in Perth

Wellington Phoenix striker Eugene Dadi is not going to let a week-old head gash stop him from playing tomorrow's A-League soccer match against Perth.

The former Ivory Coast international, who has electrified the club's forward line with his silky skills and imposing physical presence, says he will be in the thick of the action at his old stamping ground as the Phoenix seek a fourth straight win.

Dadi, scorer of three goals in two matches for the Phoenix following a mid-season transfer from Perth earlier this month, needed 21 stiches above his eye after a heavy head clash with North Queensland's Matthew Smith last weekend.

"There was a lot of blood, but hey, I'm human I think," said Dadi with a laugh today.

"It's important for me to be there and try to get the three points. Quite simply that's it.

"But it will be great to go back to Perth and see all the fans that were so good to me while I was there. I expect something special but the most important thing is for us to get the win."

A win against Perth will cement the Phoenix's position in the top four and put them in a prime position to make the playoffs for the first time.

But Perth, like the Phoenix, have made their home ground a fortress this season and will be tough to beat.

Coach Ricki Herbert's mind will also be on the trip back across the Nullabor and to Melbourne for Tuesday night's match against the Victory.

"It's probably a good time to go on a road trip after three successive wins. The mood's really high and the confidence is there. We've got two big games but probably two we can get some points from."

Given the Phoenix have two matches just days apart, Herbert has opted to take a 17-man squad to Australia and the team will not return to Wellington in between matches.

"Perth is a long way, so we won't work the players hard. A lot of it will be around recovery and getting to Melbourne."

Fullback Tony Lochhead will miss both away matches but should come back into consideration for the match against Adelaide United in Christchurch on January 30.

British striker Chris Greenacre has recovered from injury and could see some game time in Perth and Melbourne.

- NZPA