KEY POINTS:
The New Zealand Football Championship could assume even more importance with yesterday's decision by the Wellington Phoenix to release two of their four Brazilians.
Defender Cleberson and midfielder George Paladini had their contracts "terminated as of now" by the club but Phoenix chief executive Tony Pignata said there is no pressure for the pair to "pack up and leave immediately".
Their departure opens the way for two players to join the squad for the rest of the Hyundai A-League season but any replacements must fit under the A$1.8 million ($2.1 million) salary cap.
Given there is only half a season to play - plus any play-off involvement - and that the club will not have much money to throw around, the local market is the most likely target.
Incumbent All Whites James Pritchett and Ben Sigmund (Auckland City), Andy Barron (Team Wellington) and Andy Boyens (Toronto FC) could be high on coach Ricki Herbert's shopping list especially when he considers how well other national team members including Tony Lochhead, Jeremy Christie, Shane Smeltz and Glen Moss have played for the Phoenix in the opening 11 rounds.
With the transfer window open until the end of this month, Herbert and Pignata are expected to discuss their options in the next few days.
"I'm sure we will look closely at the domestic - New Zealand and Australian - markets," said Pignata. "I would expect we will get calls from agents who have players wanting to play for a few weeks and are not looking for a big pay day. "By releasing the two players now, we are giving them the opportunity to see what is around. They might be picked up by another A-League club."
Herbert said he would not dismiss casting his eye over Australian state league sides.
"I don't think it matters where they come from as long as they can do the job we are looking for," said Herbert. "Our other option is to bring in a guest player - outside the salary cap - but we haven't considered that so far."
Herbert will be back to juggling his club and national duties next week with confirmation the Oceania World Cup/Confederations Cup qualifier against Vanuatu will go ahead in Port Vila on November 17.
The game had been in doubt following an initial ground inspection but the stadium has now been given the all clear.
It will host the first leg of the home and away series which had originally been scheduled for last month until the ground was given the thumbs down by Oceania Football Confederation officials.
Herbert is confident captain Ryan Nelsen will be present when the All Whites assemble in Sydney next week.
