Soccer: Elrich returns for Phoenix clash

Former Phoenix player Ahmad Elrich lines up against his old club in Gosford tomorrow night. Photo / Getty Images

SYDNEY - Former Socceroo Ahmad Elrich says the New Year's Eve A-League match against Wellington will be a test of the Central Coast Mariners' character.

The 1-0 loss to Sydney last week was the Mariners' fourth-straight defeat, putting the club's finals aspirations in serious doubt.

But Elrich, making his return from a serious knee injury, says the Mariners pride themselves on overcoming adversity and aim to demonstrate that against the Phoenix, even without stars Dean Heffernan, Nigel Boogard and Danny Vukovic, who are on Socceroos duty.

"That's what the club is built with. They've always shown a lot of character and it's what the club thrives on," said former Fulham midfielder Elrich.

"I think it's a good test for us, we need a win and hopefully that's what we can give to the fans.

"We don't want to go five losses in a row."

Elrich, a former Phoenix player, has spent most of this year on the sidelines after undergoing a knee reconstruction late in 2008.

But the 28-year-old played a full 90 minutes in the Mariners' youth league team last week and says he's ready to play more of a role at the Gosford-based club.

"I think I needed the 90 minutes," Elrich said.

"It has been about six weeks coming off the bench so it's always good to get 90 minutes, and that way I can feel better when I play for the first team."

The Phoenix, who can leapfrog the Mariners into seventh spot on the ladder with a win on Thursday, will have a near full-strength squad to select from, having not played since their 1-1 draw at Adelaide on December 18.

The match at Bluetongue Stadium kicks off at 8pm (NZT).

- AAP