Phoenix striker not ready to start

Marquee man Gary Hooper will not be rushed into action for Wellington Phoenix’s crucial A-League clash with Brisbane Roar, despite his coach billing today’s match as a ‘‘final’’.

The former Celtic and Norwich City striker has only played 60 minutes of A-League football since joining the Phoenix following a long injury layoff.

Although he has been included in the match-day squad, Hooper has been kept on a ‘‘modified’’ training programme after a quad strain kept him out of the Phoenix’s most recent match against Melbourne Victory a fortnight ago.

Given the importance of today’s match, coming off the bye with one draw and four losses to their name, Phoenix coach Ufuk Talay would love to unleash his star signing from the first whistle. However, Talay said he will have to make a ‘‘calculated’’ decision regarding Hooper’s involvement, conceding the 31-year-old would not last the half.

In Hooper’s absence, the team’s topscorer Ulises Davila should start in behind striker David Ball with Callum McCowatt and Jaushua Sotirio operating in advanced midfield roles. That is how the front four lined up against Victory,

A-League round seven, Wellington Phoenix v Brisbane Roar Westpac Stadium, Wellington; 7pm today

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the only match where recorded a positive result.

All five travel-weary All Whites are expected to slot straight back into an unchanged starting 11 despite their limited preparation, only returning to training on Thursday after completing a 17,000km journey from Lithuania.

Tim Payne should start at right-back as Louis Fenton remains sidelined with a dislocated shoulder. Like Hooper, Fenton has been kept on a modified training programme.

The Robbie Fowler-coached Roar head into today’s match on the back of their first win of the season, coming back from two goals down to beat A-League leaders Melbourne City 4-3. Striker Roy O’Donovan scored a hat-trick in that match and captain Steven Taylor said the Phoenix are wary of his threats.

‘‘I played against him a few times last year for Newcastle and he’s a top player for the A-League,’’ Taylor said. ‘‘He always has a knack of being in the right place in the right time, scores goals and he’s got a bit of everything in his locker.’’

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