Soccer: Herbert's men feel confidence lift in playoffs

Marco Rojas. Photo / Getty Images

Buoyed by their 1-0 win in Adelaide two weeks ago and with a two from three record this season, the Wellington Phoenix go into tonight's A-League elimination semifinal against Adelaide United with some confidence.

Countering that, though, is their poor record across the Tasman this summer with the win at Hindmarsh Stadium only their second of the season.

Coach Ricki Herbert has other factors in his favour, none more than having as close to a full-strength squad to call on.

Hit hard by suspensions and injuries to key players Paul Ifill and Vince Lia, Herbert steered his under-strength side through those vital late-season matches astutely to reach the play-offs.

While he has yet to name his starting XI and the five allowable substitutes, Herbert is unlikely to risk Lia or Ifill from the outset but may well have them as a later option.

He must make one other big call in settling on his defensive make-up.

Captain Andrew Durante, back from suspension, will certainly return.

Durante could well be partnered by Socceroo Jade North which could mean a shift to right back for Ben Sigmund and force Troy Hearfield, who announced this week that he is off to the Central Coast Mariners next season, to the bench.

Elsewhere it will be more settled with in-form goalkeeper Danny Vukovic in goal, Tim Brown, Manny Muscat and Nick Ward in midfield with Marco Rojas, Chris Greenacre and Dylan Macallister as the attacking option.

Herbert, realistic enough to know it will be a big ask to go all the way after taking the last of the six qualifying spots, remains upbeat.

Written off in most quarters as play-off contenders, the Phoenix stormed home, winning four of their last five games.

"We've had some difficult times this season, especially when playing away from home, and could easily have fallen away," said Herbert.

"Going into the final weeks I don't think many people saw us as potential contenders.

"Melbourne Heart, who had made some big signings for their first season in the competition, always looked likely to make the six. Newcastle Jets, who received a massive financial boost just before the run in, had games in hand on everyone else and were looked upon as likely to make the playoffs.

"But the way our players knuckled down and got the required results shows just what they are made of," said Herbert. "Everyone at the club rolled up their sleeves through some difficult times and got us into the finals."

The All Whites in the Phoenix squad have not had a break in the past three years with a schedule that had them playing A-League, Confederations Cup, A-League, World Cup finals and A-League.

"We've never used that as an excuse and never will.

"But when you look at the demands placed on those players and see how they came back at the end of this season," said Herbert, "it speaks volumes for their character and durability."

Only three teams have qualified for a second successive season - Gold Coast United, Melbourne Victory and the Phoenix.

A win tonight would qualify the Phoenix for a shot at the winner of Sunday's game between Gold Coast and Melbourne Victory.

A-LEAGUE

Adelaide United v Wellington Phoenix

Hindmarsh Stadium.

Today 10pm (live SS1)