Soccer: Phoenix sign four players on short deals

Jacob Spoonley. Photo / Paul Estcourt

Wellington Phoenix have moved to plug gaps in their roster early in the A-League season by signing four players on short-term contracts.

The Phoenix are without five players on international duty for Sunday's opening match against Brisbane Roar in Wellington.

Captain Andrew Durante, goalkeeper Glen Moss, defender Leo Bertos and striker Jeremy Brockie are in the United States with the All Whites, while midfielder Alex Rufer is with the New Zealand under-17 side.

Also unavailable are two injured players - goalkeeper Lewis Italiano (ankle) and converted defender Louis Fenton (shoulder).

Goalkeeper Jacob Spoonley and midfielder Jason Hicks have been signed as injury replacement players for the next month.

Two other young Kiwi players - striker Hamish Watson and goalkeeper James McPeake - are on one-week deals as cover for the internationals.

Spoonley is set to start in goal against the Roar but Hicks - who impressed last month for New Zealand A in a pre-season match against the Phoenix - is likely to be on the bench alongside Spanish midfielder Albert Riera, who signed a season-long contract this week.

Manny Muscat and Vince Lia are likely selections as defensive midfielders behind the international attacking quartet of Paul Ifill, Carlos Hernandez, Kenny Cunningham and Stein Huysegems.

- AAP