At a glance
Youngest Wellington Phoenix players: ■ Gabriel Sloane-Rodrigues: 16 years, 8 months, 6 days
Ben Waine: 17 years, 1 month, 27 days Liberato Cacace:; 17 years, 4 months, 6 days
Luke Supyk; 17 years 5 months 23 days Alex Rufer: 17 years, 7 months, 28 days
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computer with me and try to do my work,” he said. “I still go into school sometimes and visit my friends at lunch time and play some football with them.”
Despite his inexperience, SloaneRodrigues was brought on with one minute left in stoppage time against Melbourne City on Saturday, trusted by Italiano to help the Phoenix find a late equaliser.
Although a late goal never materialised, Sloane-Rodrigues said he felt prepared for his A-League debut after sitting on the bench in five previous matches.
“It helped me when I did come on because I knew what to expect. Every time I was on the bench I would always watch the players in my position closely to see what they do to perform well, how they press and what they do on the ball and all that stuff.
“Yes, I really wanted to get on, I was hungry to get on, but I felt like it was good for me to be patient and I got my opportunity the other night.”
As well as pushing for a professional contract, Sloane-Rodrigues said his main objectives for the rest of the season were to help the Phoenix win their first trophy and to play as many minutes as possible.
He also wants to establish himself as a goal-scorer. “I want some more playing time, whether it’s A-League or with the reserves, because I haven’t got too many minutes.
“I want to score lots of goals this season, no matter what level, and obviously want to win the trophy this season. That’s the main goal, I’d say, for us as a team; win the league.”