Soccer: Phoenix striker hitting his stride

Costa Barbarouses is in line for his first start for the Phoenix against Newcastle tonight. Photo / Getty Images

Striker Costa Barbarouses is in line for his first Wellington Phoenix start of the season in tonight's A-League soccer match against Newcastle.

The 19-year-old proved his worth on Sunday when he scored Wellington's only goal in their 3-1 loss to Sydney, after coming on as a substitute for Leo Bertos in the 63rd minute.

The loss followed a stunning 6-0 victory over Gold Coast the week before, and Wellington will be looking to recapture that magic in this week's double-header against Newcastle tonight and Perth on Sunday.

Naming Barbarouses in the 15-man squad, coach Ricki Herbert praised his performance and indicated he was an option for the starting lineup.

"Costa did well when he came on and we might elect to start him," Herbert said. "I think for a young player the need and want to play has to be there so much and there can't be any disappointment.

"I feel that Costa's reached that point now - he looked mature against Sydney and he delivered."

Herbert said Bertos could be the player to make way.

"We'd probably go with Costa up front with Greenie [Chris Greenacre] and keep Paul [Ifill] wide - I think he's causing lots of problems out there when he gets into those areas."

Barbarouses made two starts in last season's campaign, scoring a goal against Adelaide, after a solitary start in the Phoenix's inaugural season.

The young player said it was frustrating to sit on the bench and that he was looking forward to more opportunities on the field.

"Hopefully this season can be the season that I push on and get more game time. I want to build on last weekend's performance and I'm looking forward to another shot against Newcastle," Barbarouses said.

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Mark Paston, in doubt for the match after suffering a hip injury in Sunday's defeat, will undergo a late fitness test today. If Paston is ruled out, Reece Crowther will take his place between the posts.

Facing the double-header, Herbert said he would be watching for signs of fatigue in the team.

"Players are only human too, and I think the signs are recognisable ... We're conscious of it right throughout the squad and, if we need to, we will make changes."

However, he said he did not see the prospect of two games in a week as something negative.

"I think we're in a bit of a luxury league down here and I think it's good for players to have to go through this sort of thing. I'd like more games," he said.

- NZPA