Soccer: Phoenix weigh up teen to cover McKain

John McKain (L) may be out for six weeks. Photo / Getty Images

The Wellington Phoenix are considering putting Jon McKain on the long-term injured list and replacing him with a Wanganui 17-year-old.

McKain injured his quad in the 1-1 draw with Melbourne six weeks ago and was initially thought to be out for four weeks. He returned to training last week but broke down again and scans have revealed another tear of his quadricep. He could be out for another six weeks.

Teams can place players on the long-term injury list, which allows them to be replaced for six weeks.

It's understood Wellington are considering replacing McKain with James Musa, a Wanganui high school student who has not yet played NZFC.

Musa was born in Zimbabwe and is the son of Memo Musa, the former Wanganui District Health Board chief executive driven out by Wanganui mayor Michael Laws. He is a central midfielder who can also play centre back.

Wellington are also looking at an Australian player and could make a move this week.

Musa impressed Wellington goalkeeping coach Jonathan Gould at the recent Napier under-19 tournament and he was invited to play a training match against Team Wellington last week.

Although the Phoenix are interested in bringing him in to replace McKain, they are looking at signing him long-term.

Teams must have a minimum of three under-21 players and Herbert has played both Costa Barbarouses (19) and Marco Rojas (17) in the past.

But plumping for a 17-year-old would be a big call in the competitive A-League. Herbert needs cover in case of injury and might have considered Auckland City captain and former professional Ivan Vicelich.

McKain was in great form before his injury but Ben Sigmund and Andrew Durante have been excellent in recent weeks. The Phoenix have conceded just two goals in five games since McKain's absence.

They take on leaders Sydney today and the challenge is backing up from their 6-0 thrashing of Gold Coast last weekend.THE ALL WHITES are lining up Stephen Fleming to chat to the team before their massive World Cup playoff with Bahrain in a fortnight. Teams often bring in motivational speakers and it was suggested the former New Zealand cricket captain would be ideal because of his experience at the game's highest level.

All Whites midfielder Tim Brown is a friend of Fleming's and has approached him to talk to the team.

Coach Ricki Herbert supported bringing in someone outside football. Most of the 1982 All Whites will be in Wellington for the playoff. Herbert is likely to invite them to the hotel to chat to the players but he wanted someone who could bring a different perspective.

"He's a former national captain and world-class athlete who has played at the highest level," Herbert said.

"He would be great. He's been in high-pressure situations like this and would be able to share some of his experiences.

"He would come from a different angle, which the players would appreciate. I'm not sure a footballer would have the same impact."