Star striker Paul Ifill and midfielder Vince Lia, who are both returning from injury, will be on the Wellington Phoenix bench for tonight’s elimination final against Adelaide United at Hindmarsh Stadium.
Star striker Paul Ifill and midfielder Vince Lia, who are both returning from injury, will be on the Wellington Phoenix bench for tonight-s elimination final against Adelaide United at Hindmarsh Stadium.
Ifill was never a chance to make the starting line up, but coach Ricki Herbert was hoping Lia, who has been in fine form this season, would be fit enough to start.
“Unfortunately Vinnie isn-t quite there yet, so he will be on the bench,” Herbert said.
“We will be able to get a good 20 to 30 minutes out of him if needed.”
In a surprise move Troy Hearfield, who has been at right back in recent weeks, will move further forward, with Jade North moving from centre back to right full back, a position he has filled for the Socceroos.
Captain Andrew Durante, returning from a two-match suspension, will partner Ben Sigmund in the centre of defence.
The team is: Danny Vukovic, Jade North, Ben Sigmund, Andrew Durante, Tony Lochhead, Manny Muscat, Nicky Ward, Tim Brown, Troy Hearfield, Dylan Macallister, Marco Rojas. Substitutes: Chris Greenacre, Vince Lia, Paul Ifill, Daniel, Reece Crowther (GK).
