Soccer: Reinforcements for Phoenix

Midfielder Jason Hicks has joined the Wellington Phoenix squad ahead of tomorrow's A-League match in Adelaide. Photo / Getty

Midfielder Jason Hicks and striker Hamish Watson have joined the Wellington Phoenix squad ahead of tomorrow's A-League match in Adelaide.

The Phoenix have stayed across the Tasman this week following last Friday's stunning 4-1 win over Central Coast.

Coach Ernie Merrick says although the side is injury-free, they'd always planned to fly the two extra players over as cover for the second game of their away double.

"We felt we'd bring over a midfielder and striker and the thing about being away from Wellington is that it's convenient in the lead-up to the next match but with all the travelling you miss out on training time with the squad.''

Merrick says he has no reason to make any changes unless there's any late injury, and he will keep consistency if he can.

Merrick's long-standing working relationship with striker Carlos Hernandez is being seen as an influential factor to the side's A-League form.

Hernandez played under Merrick at Melbourne Victory, and has been a crucial difference to the Phoenix's resurgence this season.

Merrick says Hernandez was a top performer at the Victory, and has gone through some changes since joining the Phoenix.

He says Hernandez is now five kilos lighter, and he's struck up a great partnership with Stein Huysegems up front.