Soccer: Herbert keen for Ifill to start off bench again

Paul Ifill (left) returned to the A-League on Wednesday. Photo / APNZ

Despite his impact off the bench in his return to A-League action on Wednesday, Wellington Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert is unlikely to pitch go-to striker Paul Ifill into the starting XI for tomorrow's home game with Perth Glory.

"While we were more than happy with what he did in those 30 minutes against Sydney, it is more likely he will again come off the bench," said Herbert after putting his team through a light walk and stretch session yesterday. "I'm keen to follow the same route with Paul on Sunday.

"While I won't name the starting XI until after a light session on Saturday morning, it is more than likely we will go with the same XI. It has been a balancing act to manage the players with such a tight schedule these past couple of weeks."

If it has been hard enough for Herbert and his players to manage the hectic schedule - which has included Melbourne and Adelaide trips and two home games in the past 20 days - it will be an even bigger ask for Ian Ferguson and his Perth players.

In the same period the Glory have had three home games, the trip to Newcastle and now to Wellington.

While the Phoenix lost both away games, they at least picked up maximum points in their home wins, scoring nine goals in the process. Perth lost two and drew one at home and drew in Newcastle. They were the last team to play on Big Wednesday, drawing 3-3 with Brisbane Roar with a game which did not finish until 2am on Thursday (NZ time).

The Perth party left home early yesterday for the trip to Wellington without in-form striker Billy Mehmet who is out with a right calf tear.

But Ferguson does have some good news, with former Phoenix striker Shane Smeltz back in the frame after missing two games with a groin injury. Dutch defender Bas van den Brink is in Wellington as part of an extended 18-man squad but will need to pass a fitness test.

Herbert is toying with the idea of letting centurion Tim Brown lead the team out tomorrow to mark his 100th game for the club.

"It makes me feel old," said Brown with a laugh when reminded he is poised to become the first player to notch 100 appearances at the club.

"I'm not a big one for records, but this is a bit special. While you are still playing it is hard to appreciate it, but I'm sure that when I hang up the boots I will look back on it and feel very proud."

Becoming the club's first centurion will be the last thing on Brown's mind when he lines up. He is more concerned about making sure there are another three points in the bag 90 minutes later.

•Phoenix captain Andrew Durante yesterday agreed a new three-year contract, citing a great bunch of players, a top-class coach and a love for the club as his reasons for turning down other offers.

•In ASB Premiership action, Waikato FC will host Hawkes Bay United tomorrow afternoon. The game was washed out before a ball was kicked on December 18 and rescheduled.

It is vital for both teams as they try to move up to the table and within sight of the top four.

Hawkes Bay lead Waikato by a point but Declan Edge's Waikato have won the two clubs' past three meetings and go into the match on the back of their first win of the league season over YoungHeart Manawatu in their last outing.

They also beat Hawkes Bay 2-0 a week earlier in their White Ribbon Cup clash.

Wellington Phoenix v Perth Glory

Westpac Stadium
Tomorrow 4pm (live SS2)
ASB Premiership

Waikato FC v Hawkes Bay United

Porritt Stadium
Tomorrow 2pm
Referee: Jamie Cross

maddaford@xtra.co.nz