Soccer: Clock ticking for Smith

Carlos Hernandez of the Victory is tackled by Alex Smith of the Phoenix (R). Photo / Getty Images

Wellington Phoenix utility Alex Smith has just under four weeks to prove he is worthy of a fulltime contract.

The English-born American was signed as an injury replacement until the middle of January, but produced an eye-catching display in last Sunday's 3-1 loss to the Melbourne Victory in Australia.

Smith began his Phoenix stint in a defensive midfield role but, after a brief spell out of the matchday squad, has been pushed further forward into a more attacking position.

With talisman Paul Ifill out for another couple of weeks with a groin injury, Smith shapes as a solid replacement.

The 26-year-old netted his first A-League goal in the loss to the Victory and looked dangerous in the front third of the field, particularly when Daniel and Dani Sanchez were introduced to the action.

Smith said he wanted to extend his stay in Wellington after bouncing around various Australian clubs at different levels for the past few years.

"That's the goal, so I've just got to keep playing well and see what happens and that side of things usually takes care of itself," he said.

His next opportunity to perform comes tomorrow night, when the Phoenix host the Newcastle Jets at Westpac Stadium.

The Jets traditionally struggle when they travel to Wellington, losing seven of their eight fixtures at the venue while scoring only once.

Smith said the Phoenix on the other hand were a team on the rise.

"We can improve a lot as a team and hopefully we'll do that on Friday night."

Sanchez, Daniel and Smith will start against the Jets and provide cut and thrust in support of veteran striker Chris Greenacre, who continues to log big minutes in the No 9 jersey this season.

The make-up of the back four will also be different from the loss to Melbourne with Brent Griffiths a casualty after an indifferent display at AAMI Park.

Left back Tony Lochhead will again be out of action and coach Ricki Herbert hoped he would be back in time for the away clash against Adelaide next Friday night.

The versatile Manny Muscat will shift across to the left side of defence with Vince Lia dropping to right back, which would open a hole in the midfield to allow the more creative Sanchez to weave his magic.

Herbert said he wanted Sanchez and Daniel to build on their positive cameos against Melbourne.

"They were lively and I said to Daniel this morning, 'if you start then you need to show us that right from get-go, not just coming off the bench', so I think he'll be desperate to play and desperate to do well too."

Defender Jimmy Downey has a spot on the bench after finally recovering from an injury suffered in the week leading up to the season opener.

Newcastle come into the game off the back of a 2-1 loss to Sydney FC and sit two points behind the Phoenix who occupy sixth spot on the A-League ladder.

A win for the Phoenix could see them jump as high as fourth, depending on other results during the weekend.