Thompson’s stint pleases Merrick

WELLINGTON Phoenix coach Ernie Merrick hopes to have signed a central midfielder in a fortnight, with former Socceroo Matt Thompson still a leading contender.

Thompson, the most capped player in A-League history, was introduced for the final 28 minutes of Western Sydney’s last-gasp 2-1 win over the Phoenix in Wednesday’s trial game in Sydney.

He went close to scoring with his first touch and ultimately produced an encouraging shift.

Cut by the Melbourne Heart in April and unwanted after trialling with the Brisbane Roar, the 31-year-old has been with the Phoenix for a week and has another outing in the final tour match against Newcastle tomorrow to stake his claim.

Merrick said an experienced central midfielder to back up Vince Lia and Manny Muscat was imperative ahead of their home season opener against Brisbane on October 13.

‘‘I thought Matt did very well when he came on. He’s pretty underdone training-wise. I was impressed he hasn’t put on any weight,’’ the Scotsman said. ‘‘He’s up for it; technically he’s very good. I like him in the middle of midfield.’’

Merrick expected to make a decision soon after the squad returned to Wellington, and said he was looking at other options as well. He had no doubt the Phoenix’s future was bright after going perilously close to upsetting the A-League runners-up.

A Louis Fenton goal nine minutes from time looked to have secured a deserved victory but striker Brendan Santalab exploited a tiring and inexperienced defence to nod the ball past Glen Moss in the 85th and 90th minutes.

‘‘What is more important to me at this stage was the brand of foot- ball they were prepared to play on a bumpy pitch away from home against a team that was in a grand final. To me that says it all,’’ Merrick said.

A squad missing Jeremy Brockie, Leo Bertos, Paul Ifill and captain Andrew Durante competed admirably against a Wanderers side that had to bring on Japanese marquee player Shinji Ono in a bid to break down the resistance of last season’s wooden spooners.

Costa Rican midfielder Carlos Hernandez was also rested after a promising first half to protect the hamstring he strained during preseason training.

At the other end of the age and experience spectrum, Wynton Rufer’s nephew, Alex Rufer, started justifying his three-year contract with a convincing display.

‘‘I was very impressed with his passing and movement off the ball for a 17-year-old,’’ Merrick said.