Soccer: Phoenix sign goalkeeper

The Wellington Phoenix have signed former Brisbane Roar goalkeeper Liam Reddy until the end of the A-League soccer season as cover for the injured Mark Paston.

Reddy, 28, will join the Phoenix squad in Adelaide for their round 20 match against Adelaide United on Friday night - just days after being granted a release from the Roar.

After playing 23 games for the Newcastle Jets in the inaugural season of the A-League in 2005/06, Reddy went on to make a further 66 appearances for the Roar in more than 3-1/2 seasons.

The 94kg, 1.88m Australian stopper will cover for the Phoenix's injured World Cup hero Paston, who has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a fractured tibia.

Phoenix chief executive Tony Pignata said Reddy was an excellent addition to the Wellington club.

"We're obviously very disappointed to lose Mark for the remainder of the season given his form for us and the New Zealand national team.

"Along with Reece Crowther, Liam will significantly enhance our goalkeeping stocks and we're fortunate to have lured him to Wellington."

Reddy was released by the Roar on Tuesday. He joins Scottish international Charlie Miller as Roar outcasts, with coach Ange Postecoglou releasing the midfielder last week.

Miller has since signed for Gold Coast United, making his debut in last week's 3-2 loss to Newcastle.

The Roar have moved swiftly to replace Reddy, announcing they had signed Brisbane Premier League player Matt Ham for the remainder of the A-League campaign.

Ham was back up to Reddy at the Roar in the 2007-08 season and has also been signed as short-term injury cover for the Roar and North Queensland Fury but is yet to make an A-League appearance.

- NZPA