Soccer: Smith happy to fit in where needed

Alex Smith (l) of the Wellington Phoenix. Photo / Getty Images.

Alex Smith is something of a footballing nomad and has found himself playing a range of different roles for the Wellington Phoenix.

As the Phoenix head in to the final week of the A-League's regular season, Smith could again have his position changed for Sunday's home clash with the Central Coast Mariners.

He started in the unfamiliar spot of right midfield last Friday in the 3-0 loss to the Melbourne Victory across the Tasman, having also spent time in an attacking midfield role, defensive midfield spot and playing as a supersub this season.

The English-born American was signed as an injury replacement player early in the season and forced his way on to the roster with a series of striking cameos.

The 26-year-old could find himself back in the middle of the park on Sunday with Vince Lia struggling with a groin injury, but he said playing in a wide role last week wasn't what he was used to.

"Not exactly foreign, but something definitely new. I've always played in a wide array of positions," he said.

"But I'm getting kind of used to playing in the midfield so it was a bit different but I felt I went alright."

When the Phoenix went on a four-match winning streak during January and February, Smith was a constant in the middle of the park for Wellington as Lia struggled with injury.

Smith's combination with Tim Brown was impressive for the Phoenix, as the American brought creativity to the pitch and Brown produced his trademark rugged play.

Smith, who has played for various lower league Australian clubs and been a member of FC Dallas in the MLS, said playing centre midfield was ideal for him.

"Everybody always wants to be in the thick of things and that's the place where you can do a lot of defensive work and get forward as well. So it's certainly my preferred position. But I'm happy to play wherever the gaffer wants me to play.

"Me and Tim, we had a good understanding around there. But Vinny and Browny have been doing it for a long time and they have a good understanding as well. So it's just all about the team Ricki [Herbert] decides to put on the park and we are 100 per cent behind him."

The Phoenix are in fourth place heading in to the final round of the regular season, and there's a raft of calculations in play which will determine whether they will finish the campaign third or fourth.

One thing is certain though, the Phoenix will host a playoff game next Friday night at Westpac Stadium at 8pm.

Their opponent could be either the Melbourne Heart, Sydney FC or Newcastle depending on how results fall during the weekend.

Smith, who has played 21 games for the Phoenix after making his debut in round two against Newcastle, said Wellington needed a big performance this weekend to hit the post-season with momentum.

"We are coming off a pretty poor performance by our standards in Melbourne and looking to bounce back and get a win going in to the playoffs. That would definitely give us some confidence."

Aside from Lia struggling with a groin complaint, Paul Ifill has spent the week in bed with the flu and Herbert said he would decide on his playing XI tomorrow (Sat) for Sunday's 4pm clash.

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