KEY POINTS:
Troy Hearfield is champing at the bit for some action after Wellington Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert gave him the nod to start in midfield for an A-League soccer match against Perth Glory in the capital tomorrow night.
Despite some fine performances when used, Hearfield, 21, has had to make way for Brazilian import Fred in the last three games.
However, Fred has returned to Brazil following the sudden death of his father midweek, and Herbert plumped for the youngster to fill the role of attacking midfielder.
" It's obviously a very sad time for Fred and his family, and it's not the ideal way to be promoted to the starting lineup, but I'll be doing everything I can to make the most of it," Hearfield said today.
"Ricki's put his faith in me and I'm aware how important this opportunity is - not only for me but also our goal to make the playoffs."
Hearfield was the unluckiest player following the addition of Fred to the squad.
He started in the midfield in the Phoenix's 2-1 win against Sydney in round 11 before Fred took over the attacking role in the first of his three matches.
"I was disappointed, but that's football," Hearfield said.
"When a great signing like Fred comes in then you know you're probably going to have to make way... I tried to learn as much as I could from him."
Hearfield aims to break open the Glory defence and create scoring chances for his strikers.
He also hopes to add to his own goalscoring tally for the Phoenix, having nailed his maiden goal in the 2-0 win against the Newcastle Jets as a substitute in round 12.
" Ricki's told me to stay high in the front three and feed as much ball to the strikers as I can.
"I'm really looking forward to getting at the defenders and hopefully finding the back of the net again."
Herbert said picking a replacement for Fred had been tough, with Hearfield getting the nod ahead of Daniel.
" We used Troy in that role against Sydney and now he gets his chance back.
"He's trained really well this week, and we're confident he can do a job for us."
Having lost both matches to the Glory in Perth this season, the Phoenix have plenty of motivation to get one back against the West Australians.
The Phoenix want to maintain their unbeaten record against the Glory at Westpac Stadium, having won 3-0 and 4-1 in both home matches last season.
A win will be a real fillip to the Phoenix's playoff hopes.
" We've quite simply got a game that we really want to win.
"We're only two points out of the four and three points on Saturday night will put us right in the thick of it," Herbert said.
The Phoenix will wear black armbands in tomorrow's game as a mark of respect to Fred and his family.
- NZPA
