Striker Andrija Kaludjerovic has been recalled by coach Chris Greenacre to the squad to play second-placed Newcastle Jets in Auckland this Saturday at QBE Stadium.
Greenacre left the big striker out of last week’s loss to Western Sydney Wanderers to give him time to freshen up.
Newcastle have been boosted by the return to fitness of marquee player Ronnie Vargas who has been out for months with a horrific leg injury.
Another talented overseas player, Patricio Rodriguez, also returns from an injury layoff.
It would be a surprise if either player started the game but coach Ernie Merrick will be delighted to have them on the bench.
On the debit side prolific striker Roy O’Donovan is suspended.
Wellington Phoenix squad: 1.Lewis ITALIANO (Gk), 3.Scott GALLOWAY, 4.Goran PARACKI, 6.Dylan FOX, 7.Nathan BURNS, 8.Matija LJUJIC, 9. Andrija KALUDJEROVIC, 10.Michael MCGLINCHEY, 12. Adam PARKHOUSE, 14.Alex RUFER, 18. Sarpreet SINGH, 19. Tom DOYLE, 21. Roy KRISHNA, 22.Andrew DURANTE (C), 23.Matthew RIDENTON, 24.Logan ROGERSON, 26. Liberato CACACE, 40.Tando VELAPHI (Gk)
**two to be omitted**
Ins: 9. Andrija KALUDJEROVIC (promoted), 10.Michael MCGLINCHEY
Outs: Nil
Unavailable: 2. Daniel MULLEN (knee – end of season), 5. Ryan LOWRY (quad – end of season)
Newcastle Jets squad: 1.Jack DUNCAN (Gk), 3.Jason HOFFMAN, 5.Ben KANTAROVSKI, 6.Steven UGARKOVIC, 7.Dimitri PETRATOS, 8.Ronald VARGAS, 10.Wayne BROWN, 11.Patricio RODRIGUEZ, 12.Mario SHABOW, 16.Nick COWBURN, 17.Daniel GEORGIEVSKI, 20.Glen MOSS (Gk), 22.Lachlan JACKSON, 24.Joseph CHAMPNESS, 27.Riley MCGREE, 32.Angus THURGATE, 44.Nikolai TOPOR-STANLEY (C)
**one to be omitted**
Ins: 8.Ronald VARGAS (return from injury), 11.Patricio RODRIGUEZ (return from injury), 12.Mario SHABOW (promoted), 32.Angus THURGATE (promoted)
Outs: 4.Nigel BOOGAARD (knee – 8 weeks), 13.Ivan VUJICA (omitted), 15.Andrew NABBOUT (released)
Unavailable: 9.Roy O’DONOVAN (suspension)
