Soccer: Phoenix nab striker

Former Australian striker Dylan Macallister has signed with Wellington Phoenix for the 2010-11 A-League soccer season.

The 27-year-old, who joins Wellington after a two-year stint with Central Coast Mariners, has represented Australia age group and senior levels.

At 1.93m, Macallister will provide considerable size and strength to the Phoenix's frontline.

"We have been looking for a targetman and Dylan will really fit that bill," Phoenix chief executive Tony Pignata said today.

"He's young but very experienced and has the quality and pedigree we've been looking for."

By his own standards Macallister had a relatively disappointing last season for the Mariners but in 2009-10 but Pignata is sure he will rediscover his best form under coach Ricki Herbert.

"It's fair to say he probably didn't have the season he wanted in 2009-10 but we're confident he'll come here to Wellington and turn things around.

"He's got the ability and he's the sort of player that will fit in well with the team and the team balance and that'll allow him to play the sort of football we know he's capable of."

The addition of Macallister takes the Phoenix's current squad to 17 players and the striker will join his new teammates in June for pre-season training.

- NZPA