Daniel confident Phoenix have the firepower

BY PETER MARTINEZ

Brazilian forward Daniel wants more game time after featuring as a substitute to help spur Wellington Phoenix to their 3-1 extra time win over Newcastle in last weekend's A-League football minor semifinal.

He hopes his eye-catching performance in which he tormented the Newcastle defence with some teasing crosses and defence-splitting passes convinces coach Ricki Herbert to start him for Saturday's preliminary final against Sydney in Sydney.

Herbert admitted Daniel's performance made it tough to select his starting 11.

"There's a responsibility to come on and change the game and I'm pleased with Daniel," Herbert said today as the Phoenix look to continue their golden run.

"He's been in a good space for a while. With the team winning, it's been tough to start him but he's certainly important to us."

Daniel said all the players wanted to play 90 minutes "but it's okay, it's Ricki's decision. If I get to play five minutes, I'll do my best".

"I think I did a good job against Newcastle (as a substitute), but it's better if I start, then I can play more time."

Daniel, a foundation Phoenix player, said he believed Wellington had evolved into the best side in the league after three seasons.

"I think we can go to the final," he said.

"It doesn't matter who starts against Sydney. In my opinion, we have the best group in the league because in this match we could have a bench that includes me, Diego, (Eugene) Dadi, (Jon) McKain (back from suspension) and (Michael) Ferrante.

"Sydney are a good team with a good coach and it's difficult for us to play away , but we have belief in ourselves."

With central defender McKain available again after serving a one-match suspension, Herbert confirmed there would only be one change to his 16-strong squad who leave tomorrow for Sydney, with Costa Barbarouses making way.

While Herbert will consider starting McKain in place of Ben Sigmund as skipper Andrew Durante's partner in the heart of the defence, midfielder Adrian Carceres has fallen out of contention.

Carceres headed home to Argentina two weeks ago for the birth of his first child and the club has allowed him to stay away on compassionate grounds.

After playing consecutive extra-time matches, Herbert's approach this week has been to ensure his players were in a good space.

He felt they had trained well during the week, and there was even a bit of 'aggro' as players sought to make the starting lineup.

Sydney have beaten Phoenix in all three of their matches this season, which Herbert admitted was a concern.

"We have got to change something", he said, adding he thought his players were now carrying winning momentum against a team who lost a two-legged major semifinal to confirmed grand finallists Melbourne.

"Maybe they are a little bit on a downer, maybe they have to change what they are doing," Herbert said.

"They are at home and can be confident but I think it's our time to change the outcome.

"It's different territory now. I think there's enough incentive for us to go across there and win but we are under no illusions what Sydney will throw at us."

- NZPA