Phoenix Kiwis need to step up

It is time for the young Kiwis at the Wellington Phoenix to show their worth.

New coach Darije Kalezic has already shown a willingness to give young players a crack, with 18-year-old goalkeeper Keegan Smith seemingly having the inside running to start in their season opener against Adelaide United on Sunday at Westpac Stadium.

And with the All Whites away playing Japan this weekend, Michael McGlinchey’s central midfield spot is up for grabs this weekend.

Matthew Ridenton and Alex Rufer have been in a mini battle for the position this pre-season. The 21-year-olds have been at the club since 2013, but both had injuries at crucial times in their development, which hindered their first-team opportunities.

Ridenton’s most recent blow was a knee injury late last season, while Rufer suffered a horrible leg and ankle break in December 2015 which led to a prolonged recovery period.

Both are off contract at the end of the season, which Ridenton said meant they needed to be performing in the first-team this year.

‘‘It’s time for us young boys to step up. A lot of the older players have moved on from the club and we need to step up in their positions and start leading the team.’’

Similar sentiments could be said about 19-year-olds Logan Rogerson and James McGarry as they enter the final year of their three-year contracts, although they are still early in their development process.

As for Ridenton, he said he was starting to feel back to his normal self after a long spell of rehab on his knee, which he injured on April 2, during the off-season.

‘‘Every time I’ve played it’s got better and it’s feeling better the more I train,’’ Ridenton said after playing 90 minutes in the 2-2 draw against Auckland City on Saturday.

‘‘The first few weeks I was just getting back into it, but the rustiness is starting to go and the more I play the sharper I’ll get in the games.’’

Ridenton appeared to be favoured over Rufer to start on Sunday given he played for the first team last weekend, while Rufer played for the reserve team against Team Wellington.

Ridenton said if selected, he would be looking to make the most of the opportunity.

‘‘I’d like to start in the midfield position, but I just have to perform week-in, week-out and take my chances when I get them.’’

Adelaide, under new coach Marco Kurz, would pose a much different challenge to last season, Ridenton said.

‘‘They’ve brought in a lot of new players and a new coach as well, so they’ve got a completely new style as well with the German influence.

‘‘We’ll have to adjust to how they play, so I’m sure the coaches will prepare us the best we can.’’

Aside from the midfield and goalkeeping positions, Kalezic said on Saturday the team would be much the same as the one which played Auckland.

‘‘Maybe there will be changes. We have to think about one or two spots. Not big changes, maybe one or two and the positions. We will do this this week and take decisions.’’