Soccer: Greenacre says enjoy the moment

Chris Greenacre of the Phoenix celebrates scoring a goal, Photo / Getty Images.

Chris Greenacre has nearly seen it all in his 17-year professional career and he is urging his team-mates to embrace the pressure as the Wellington Phoenix head towards the pointy end of the season.

The 34-year-old, who began his time in the pro ranks with Manchester City in 1995, will be a likely starter up front for the Phoenix when they play their penultimate game of the regular season against the Melbourne Victory across the Tasman tomorrow night.

Wellington are in a tight battle with Perth Glory to claim the valuable third spot in the A-League or could even sneak in to second place depending on how other results fall in the next fortnight.

"We just need to keep doing what we've been doing,'' Greenacre said from Australia.

"But, more importantly, just enjoy the occasion. Obviously if we can get one or two more fans or supporters through the door the crowds are going to start to increase now and we should just enjoy the whole occasion. Because there are a lot of players who go through their careers not being able to get to playoffs and cup finals and all that kind of stuff. So it's something you should cherish and try and make the most of and try and enjoy every second of them.''

Wellington are currently fourth and are all but guaranteed a spot in the top six, but finishing fourth would give them home advantage for the first round of the post-season in what has been a closely contested league this year.

Claiming third place would give them two home games, while finishing in the unlikely position of second would see them play off against the minor premiers over two legs with a chance to go straight through to the grand final.

Central Coast lead the league on 45 points, while Brisbane are second on 43 with Perth in third on 40, only ahead of the Phoenix due to a superior goal tally.

After they meet the Victory tomorrow night, the Phoenix round out the regular season with a home game against Central Coast on Sunday, March 25.

The Victory have been the Phoenix's bogey team this summer and they've been beaten 2-1 and 3-1 by the Melbourne outfit who, despite boasting a talent-laden roster, are out of playoff contention.

Victory midfielder Carlos Hernandez returns from suspension for tomorrow's clash at AAMI Park, while the Phoenix welcome back Leo Bertos who missed last week's 1-1 draw with the Melbourne Heart due to a cut on his knee.

Recently, the Phoenix have looked slightly off the mark at the attacking end of the field and have only managed three goals in their past two games.

Greenacre, who also doubles as the Phoenix's attacking coach, said he wasn't bothered by the lack of polish in front of goal.

"I think you start to get problems when you're not making those chances,'' the 34-year-old said.

"If we keep putting ourselves in the right position, sooner or later, it's going to go in ... My problem is when you are not creating. It's very frustrating as a striker and a forward-thinking player when you're working hard for the team and the chances aren't falling your way.''

Greenacre has netted four goals this season and few would be more valuable for his side's playoff aspirations than if he could grab one tomorrow and push his side towards a vital win against the Victory.