Soccer: New striker out to show he's still in top form

Newly signed Wellington Phoenix striker Eugene Dadi is looking to improve his form quickly after having minimal game time during the A-League season.

The Ivory Coast international was released by Perth Glory and picked up in the January transfer window. He flew to Wellington and trained with the Phoenix yesterday.

Dadi became a fan favourite at Perth after bagging 10 goals last season, but fell down the pecking order this season after failing to score a goal in his six appearances amid reports he had fallen out with coach David Mitchell.

Mitchell has insisted the 36-year-old's release had been amicable.

"There were two other clubs interested so they've come in and we decided to let him go for his future career," Mitchell said.

"There was no animosity there."

Dadi would not be drawn on his departure from Perth.

"It happened. I came here to play football and that's what I want to do," he said following the Phoenix training.

"I just hope I will fit in well and help the team out."

Dadi said he was concerned about getting back into form after spending so much time on the bench.

"I need to find my feet a bit," he said.

Coach Ricki Herbert said it was not clear what role Dadi would play in Saturday's clash against the Brisbane Roar.

"He's just joined us and the team's in good form at the moment, after the Central Coast win, so we'll probably wait until Friday to see," Herbert said.

"He's a little bit different with his tall stature, and we'll probably find in the run into the finals, if we're going to be there, that we might need to mix it up a little bit, so we're delighted to have him."

Phoenix striker Chris Greenacre has been off the field since early last month after suffering a knee injury and Herbert said Dadi's signing reflected the need for back-up players in the squad.

"It's important we keep the stocks as strong as we can and it keeps all the players on their toes - there are no guarantees to be on this side, and I think this signing certainly signals that."

- NZPA