Paston wants to keep status quo

AFTER A week of goalkeeper merrygo-round, first-choice Phoenix shotstopper Mark Paston is hoping for a return to the status quo when the Phoenix take the field against defending champs Brisbane Roar.

Called away on international duty for two World Cup qualifiers against Tahiti last weekend, Paston had to watch from the sideline with an infected foot as his understudy Glen Moss kept two clean sheets in goal for the All Whites.

Meanwhile, with Paston and Moss away, Auckland City’s Jacob Spoonley received an emergency onematch call-up to keep goal for the Phoenix against Melbourne Heart when a mystery illness kept wouldbe debutant Scott Basalaj from taking the field.

But Paston has now returned to full fitness and is hoping to reclaim his spot between the sticks.

‘‘It was an infection between my toes and my toes were all swollen up. I could get my boot on, but it was pretty painful.

‘‘But my foot is all good [now] and I’m always hopeful to keep. You want to get a run of games going, you want to keep getting on the field.’’

If he does return to the starting lineup, his job won’t be made any easier against the league- topping Roar with news that captain Andrew Durante is likely out with a stomach bug.

‘‘That will be a big blow for us. He’s our captain, but the boys have shown they can cope [without regulars] – like last weekend.’’

If Durante fails a late fitness this morning, Michael Boxall test will take his place at the back.

The captain notwithstanding, coach Ricki Herbert said there were no hangovers from the international break which saw seven Phoenix players miss last weekend’s league game.

‘‘ Andrew is very doubtful. He’s been in hospital with vomiting. I’m not overly hopeful he’ll be fit,’’ Herbert said.

‘‘ Everybody

[ else]

seems

good.

the

defensive

half We’ve given them a couple of days, but they’re looking good.’’

Herbert said star forward Paul Ifill would again start, after his first start at Melbourne Heart last Sunday, as he works his way back to full match fitness. Ifill will likely be joined on the winger by youngster Louis Fenton whose performances, Herbert said, continue to keep him in the side.

But it’s

of

the pitch that will likely encounter the majority of problems, after the freeflowing Roar tore apart Melbourne Victory 5-0 last week.

The goalkeeper, in particular, will need to be in top form.

‘‘They’re the champions. They’ve proven they’re the best team in the league,’’ Paston said.

‘‘To get a result against them you need everyone to be at their best. It’s a very good team.’’