Soccer: Griffiths poised to make Phoenix starting side

Ricki Herbert. Photo / Getty Images

Injuries and suspensions, too often the bane of coach Ricki Herbert's life, have led to another reshuffle for the Wellington Phoenix ahead of tonight's A-League clash with leaders Brisbane Roar indoors in Dunedin.

With regular left back Tony Lochhead on the injured list, former Perth Glory defender Brent Griffiths is poised for a rare start.

Herbert has also taken Alex Smith and Cameron Lindsay south as cover for Mirjan Pavlovic, who played off the bench in the 1-0 win over Perth on Saturday but was red-carded in stoppage time for a senseless tackle.

Herbert is also aware that there is another short turnaround after tonight's game as they are away to Melbourne Victory on Sunday.

Griffiths is delighted to be at least on the selection fringe for an important game.

"It is great to be back on the road with the boys, because it is tough staying motivated when they are away and you are in Wellington working with a couple of other players," said Griffiths. "Should I get a chance at left back it will be exciting.

"I actually played in that position for Perth Glory last season against the Phoenix so I have some experience there. Playing there gives you a chance to get forward and, of course, every centre-back thinks he should be a striker."

Griffiths got his first look at the roofed stadium when the Phoenix had the first of two training sessions at the match venue on Monday night. They had another session at the ground last night.

Griffiths, should he be handed a start, will be as keen as his teammates in their chase for maximum points in such a crucial game.

Brisbane have crossed the Tasman on a bit of a downer after, surprisingly, losing two on the trot after their magnificent unbeaten run.

The Phoenix go into the game just four weeks after holding Brisbane 1-1 at Suncorp Stadium. They will also take heart from the absence of key playmaker Thomas Broich, who is still sidelined with a bruised heel. Matt Smith is also missing from the Roar's travelling squad.

Herbert will be looking for more from his players than they showed for long periods against the Glory. Happy enough to take a 1-0 win thanks to a late header from Ben Sigmund the players were not so impressed with the game as a whole with long periods of ordinary football - from both teams - making it a dreary affair.

Wellington Phoenix v Brisbane Roar
* Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
* Today 7.30pm (live SS3)
* Referee: Gerard Parsons

Squad:
Tony Warner, Mark Paston, Manny Muscat, Ben Sigmund, Andrew Durante (c), Brent Griffiths, Leo Bertos, Nicky Ward, Vince Lia, Tim Brown, Cameron Lindsay, Daniel, Dani Sanchez, Paul Ifill, Chris Greenacre, Alex Smith (one to be omitted).