Fenton earns two-year extension with Phoenix

However, the 25-year-old fullback, who made his Phoenix debut in 2012, has proven those doubters wrong during an injury-free 2018-19 A-League season.

He has started 18 of a possible 19 games, scored two goals and collected two assists.

‘‘I’m very happy to be staying at my hometown club,’’ Fenton said. ‘‘I really feel that I proved myself in pre-season to earn a contract and I still aspire to be the hardest worker out there every day.

‘‘I’ve always been proud to represent this club and now I want to push on and dream bigger, by targeting finals and then trophies.’’

Rudan praised the defender for his attitude and said he felt that Fenton was yet to reach his ceiling.

‘‘His positive mindset since day one has been second to none and he has carried that positivity through in his training, his attitude and his execution,’’ Rudan said.

‘‘I couldn’t be happier for him and believe he has still plenty more to come.’’

Confirmation of Fenton’s two-year extension comes four days after the Phoenix exercised the club option on Steven Taylor’s one-plus-one contract.

Fenton, Taylor, Sarpreet Singh, Filip Kurto and Liberato Cacace, all regulars in the starting XI, are locked in for next season, with the 16 other members of the squad offcontract at the end of the current campaign.

The Phoenix take on Sydney FC at Campbelltown Stadium tonight. I