Phoenix face test of depth in clash with Central Coast
The Wellington Phoenix face a test of their depth as they look to win consecutive A- League matches for the first time in over a year tonight.
Five players who started the 2- 0 victory over the Newcastle Jets last weekend are in camp with the All Whites, who face New Caledonia in a World Cup qualifier at Albany just hours before the Phoenix meet the Central Coast Mariners in Canberra.
With Glen Moss, Andrew Durante, Kosta Barbarouses, Michael McGlinchey and Louis Fenton all on international duty, Phoenix coach Ernie Merrick will dig deep into his roster to put out a side.
Roly Bonevacia and Hamish Watson come in for Barbarouses and McGlinchey, while goalkeeper Lewis Italiano will play his second A- League game. Further back, Dylan Fox i s likely to fill the unfamiliar role of leftback with young Australian Ryan Lowry set to debut in central defence.
“It’s a dream come true,” said Lowry. “With five guys away, it gives a chance for other boys to step up and stake their claim to be in the starting 11, which i s what I want to do ultimately. I’ve got a hard job to do on the weekend, so I’m just looking forward to that.”
Roy Krishna’s brace was enough to see off the Jets and give the Phoenix their first points of the campaign in Wellington a week ago. The Fijian flier is confident they can cover the absence of so many front- line players.
“The boys are gone but we’ve got strong depth, so nothing changes. We’ve got to do a job, and we’re looking forward to this weekend.”
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