No-one has been happier than goalkeeper Glen Moss now that the Wellington Phoenix have found that winning feeling and are in good heart leading into Friday night’s game against table-topping Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium.
No-one has been happier than goalkeeper Glen Moss now that the Wellington Phoenix have found that winning feeling and are in good heart leading into Friday night-s game against table-topping Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium.
When goals are going in at the other end it takes pressure off the New Zealand international keeper and the back four in front of him.
“It does take some pressure off when the boys up front put a couple in the net, but most of all I-m happy for boys like Stein (Huysegems) and Brocks (Jeremy Brockie) who I-ve seen working so hard on their finishing every day at training.
“Had I had the legs and energy I would have run to celebrate with Brocks last week I was so pleased for him.”
The Phoenix go into the game with Roar full of confidence after the 5-0 mauling of Melbourne Victory last week but Moss said it was important that it was kept in perspective.
“Last weekend was the best I-ve seen a Phoenix side play, and definitely the best performance I-ve been a part of,” he said.
“Quite rightly the boys are full of confidence but I think the Roar will be a bigger test still.
“Suncorp has always been a tough place to come and we have never won there, but if it is ever going to happen why not tonight?
“Everyone knows their role on the field and this is the best chance we-ve had of beating the Roar away from home.”
The Phoenix will be without Carlos Hernandez and Kenny Cunningham who are away on international duty with Costa Rica, along with 17-year-old Matt Ridenton who is missing with a medial ligament strain.
“We will miss Carlos and Kenny given the parts they played in the win last week bur we have players who can step up,” Moss said.
“Jason Hicks is a terrific little player who listens to those around him and has been great since he came in, and we also have Leo Bertos who can play a number of positions.”
Michael Boxall has slotted in at right back as if he has played there all his career, but his forward showing hasn-t surprised Moss.
“Not at all, because he is a natural athlete who is so quick off the mark and has a real physical presence,” the keeper said.
“I always had confidence in him and now Ernie has given him some coaching in the position and let him attack a little more I think he is really enjoying himself.
The game kicks off at 10pm New Zealand time and will be screened in NZ on Sky Sport 1.
