Soccer: Changes to Phoenix line-up

Marco Rojas. Photo / Getty Images

Wellington Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert has reshuffled his team for tonight's elimination final against Adelaide United, but resisted the urge to start star striker Paul Ifill at Hindmarsh Stadium.

Ifill and midfielder Vince Lia, who are both returning from injury, will be on the bench for the match in Adelaide with both lacking the fitness to start the match.

Herbert had always earmarked Ifill for a return off the bench after eight weeks nursing an ankle injury but was hoping Lia would be fit enough to start.

"Unfortunately Vinnie isn't quite there yet, so he will be on the bench," Herbert said.

"We will be able to get a good 20 to 30 minutes out of him if needed."

Troy Hearfield, who said this week he will leave the club at the end of the season, will move from right back into the midfield while Jade North moves from centre back to right back.

Captain Andrew Durante, returning from a two-match suspension, will partner Ben Sigmund in the heart of defence.

PHOENIX:

Danny Vukovic, Jade North, Ben Sigmund, Andrew Durante, Tony Lochhead, Manny Muscat, Nicky Ward, Tim Brown, Troy Hearfield, Dylan Macallister, Marco Rojas.

SUBSTITUTES:

Chris Greenacre, Vince Lia, Paul Ifill, Daniel, Reece Crowther.

- NZPA