Soccer: Krishna scores a two-year deal at Phoenix

Exciting Wellington Phoenix striker Roy Krishna has signed a new two-year contract. Photo / Getty Images.

Roy Krishna has signed a two-year contract with the Wellington Phoenix.

The 26-year-old has been at the club since January as an injury replacement for Paul Ifill and he was delighted head coach Ernie Merrick thought enough of him to give him a new deal.

"I've always dreamed of being a professional footballer and now that dream has come true,'' Krishna said.

"There is still a lot of work for me to do but with Ernie to guide me I'm confident I can do a job for him.''

The Fijian international spent a month on trial with the Phoenix in 2010 but said former coach Ricki Herbert told him he was looking for a target man, which he definitely isn't.
In the controversial 2-2 draw at the Melbourne Heart on Sunday, Krishna revelled in a wide role and scored his first Phoenix goal early in the game.

"If you are a striker you expect to score goals and that one has taken some of the pressure off me,'' Krishna said.

So where does he prefer to play? Out wide or in the centre?

"I don't care where I play so long as I am in the team,'' he said.

"My preference is in the centre, but the system we are playing means I can use my speed out wide to get behind the defence.''

The Phoenix's next game is against the Newcastle Jets across the Tasman on Saturday night and they will again be without Carlos Hernandez who has a calf injury, while central defender Ben Sigmund is suspended.

Sigmund's absence will likely be filled by Michael Boxall, which means Manny Muscat will move from midfield to right back. Jason Hicks or Matthew Ridenton are the leading contenders to come in to the middle of the park.

Left back Shaun Timmins has recovered well from last Sunday's game against the Heart and is fit to play this weekend.

Meanwhile, Team Wellington utility Justin Gulley has joined the Phoenix as an injury-replacment player but is unlikely to feature on Saturday.