Soccer: Muscat re-signs with Nix

The Wellington Phoenix have received a boost ahead of their crucial A-League game against Melbourne Heart at AAMI Stadium tonight with the news that Manny Muscat has signed a new two-year deal.

Now in his sixth year at the New Zealand club, Muscat has been sounded out by suitors from across the Tasman but, once the Phoenix said they wanted him to stay, there was no contest.

"There was interest from other clubs but I've always said the Phoenix comes first,'' Muscat said. "I am happy here and grateful for the chance the Phoenix gave me and for everything they have done for me over the last five years.

"The arrival of Ernie Merrick also made the decision easy as he has been a breath of fresh air.''

After starting the season in midfield Muscat has been moved to left back to help solidify the back line, and he is more than happy to make the switch.

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"I am happy to play anywhere if it helps us get results,'' he said. "The move has been made possible by the way Albert (Riera) is playing. He has come in and done a great job and I think me moving to left back has helped balance the team.''

Merrick would be pleased with such commitment to the cause and the coach said he was delighted to have Muscat secured for another two years.

"This team has a number of leaders from the front and Manny is one of those,'' Merrick said. "He doesn't take a step back from anything, and has the ability to predict play, to anticipate and to make crucial tackles. Manny rarely comes out of a 50-50 challenge without the ball.''

Muscat will celebrate his re-signing with four games in two weeks, a prospect he was pleased with even if it means two trips across the Tasman.

"We haven't had the results we deserve from most games this season and it was good to get a win on Sunday,'' he said. "Now we have to back it up with a win tonight. The quick turnaround after the Mariners game meant we didn't have chance to think about the chances we missed.

"If we keep playing the way we have been the results will come.''