Paston's big chance to make his mark

ANDREW GORRIE/Dominion Post

BIG TEST: Wellington Phoenix goalkeeper Mark Paston hopes to get his season off to a good start against the Newcastle Jets.

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Wellington Phoenix goalkeeper Mark Paston is itching to finally step out of Glen Moss' shadow and stamp his mark on the A-League.

Moss' superb performances, injuries, and bad luck conspired to keep Paston on the bench for all but one match in season one and just a handful last season.

But the All Whites stopper is relishing his chance now that Moss, a team-mate of his at international level, has gone across the ditch to be the No1 at reigning champions Melbourne Victory, who start the A-League against central Coast in Melbourne tonight.

Paston is odds on to be the No1 at Westpac Stadium this season, ahead of the tall and talented young signing Reece Crowther, but he knows nothing is guaranteed.

He need only look back to this time two years ago when a freak accident at training on the eve of the Phoenix's first match put him out of action with concussion, and handed Moss a chance he would not turn down.

"It has been a difficult period," Paston acknowledged as the Phoenix prepare for their A-League season-opener against the Newcastle Jets in Newcastle on Sunday.

"You're a professional footballer and you just want to play, but sometimes it's just how it is.

Obviously Mossy had a fantastic two years. This season he is gone and hopefully I'll get a start this weekend and roll on from there."

It is a critical time in Paston's career. He wants to make a mark at the Phoenix but also looming are the All Whites' two World Cup qualifying matches in October and November, which he will start as Moss is suspended.

"It's important for me to get a good block of games together before then," Paston said.

"That's where you get your form and confidence, playing every week, and like most people I've always been at my best when I've been playing regularly."

Paston said the addition to the Phoenix staff of assistant and goalkeeping coach Jonathan Gould, the former Scotland and Celtic custodian, had been fantastic for both him and 20-year-old Crowther.

"Gouldy's played at the highest level he's been there, done that. He knows when to speak to you about something and when to leave you alone and let you figure it out."

Meanwhile, the Phoenix will retain an extended leadership group this season, with skipper Andrew Durante backed up by three vice-captains Tim Brown, Jon McKain and new striker Chris Greenacre, who will replace Richard Johnson.

"We may bring Greenacre in, just with his professional experience," coach Ricki Herbert said.

"I've been really pleased with Chris, he's been a good pro. I think he'll serve us well in that area."

The makeup of the midfield he may opt for four or five across the middle and whether new signing Paul Ifill, who arrived in Wellington only last week, will start look to be the major points of interest ahead of the Jets match.

"With Paul and Chris we've got options now," Herbert said. "We could play one of them up, Paul can play slightly wider, so that's a consideration."

The Phoenix completed the signing yesterday of Chinese under-23 international striker Jiang Chen on a season-long loan from Tianjin.

- © Fairfax NZ News