Soccer: Herbert wary of over-taxing Phoenix

Vince Lia is expected to be available to play against Melbourne Heart after addressing a series of fitness concerns. Photo / Getty Images

Ricki Herbert will wait until after this morning's training session in Melbourne before naming his Wellington Phoenix team to play A-League newcomers Melbourne Heart tomorrow.

With two games in less than four days - after the scoreless draw with Melbourne Victory at the same AAMI Park ground on Wednesday night - the coaching staff are treading warily ahead of the team's third game in a week.

"Most of the boys have come through Wednesday's game pretty well," said assistant coach Jonathan Gould from Melbourne yesterday. "The only player we are missing is young Mirjan Pavlovic who is away with the Australian Olympic team in Vietnam.

"We have cover as we brought 17 players over. Vince Lia is still working through his fitness concerns but should be available for selection. Everyone pulled through today's training okay."

Gould said he did not envisage many, if any, changes from the team which started against the Victory meaning goalkeeper Danny Vukovic, who continues to impress, is likely to keep Mark Paston on the bench.

"Danny didn't have a lot to do against the Victory but he did make one crucial save towards the end," said Gould. "Overall we thought they did well in that game but just need to turn scoring chances into goals. I'm sure if we can find the back of the net we will bring the three points we want back to Wellington."

Jade North was impressive in his first game for the Phoenix and teamed well with captain Andrew Durante in central defence. That pairing seems certain to be retained.

Herbert has been quick to praise his newcomers.

"Danny Vukovic was confident in goal in only his second game for us, Nick Ward was a constant menace to his former teammates in midfield and Jade North shone in his first start for the club," said Herbert.

"Those three players are strong candidates to be in the starting XI each week and that's testament to their quality given they have only been with us a short time.

"The depth is there and we now have competition within the squad," said Herbert. "There are good signs."

If there is to be a change, Herbert might look at his right back options with Troy Hearfield coming into consideration in place of Ben Sigmund who started tentatively in the role on Wednesday but grew into his work.

Gould said they had been impressed with what they had seen of Melbourne Heart.

"They have some quality players with a lot of experience. I'm sure it will be a tough game."

The new boys on the block have some big names in their squad, including goalkeeper Clint Bolton, captain Simon Colosimo, Matt Thompson and John Aloisi. They have won one, drawn two and lost three of their opening six games but scored an average of just a goal-a-game so far.

The Phoenix are in fifth place and could, with a decent win, go as high as second by the end of the round.

Match day
* Melbourne Heart v Wellington Phoenix
* AAMI Park
* Tomorrow 5pm (live SS2)
* Referee: Peter Green