Phoenix keeper ready to impress new bosses

MAARTEN HOLL/The Dominion Post

AT FULL STRETCH: Wellington Phoenix goalkeeper Liam Reddy stretches out his left leg to make his second save in the penalty shootout win against Perth Glory at Westpac Stadium.

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The man Sydney FC will have guarding their goal next season is the same one who stands in their way on Saturday night, but Wellington Phoenix keeper Liam Reddy insists there's nothing ''awkward'' about the situation.

Reddy, 28, has been in career-best form since his sudden switch mid-season from Brisbane Roar - where he was part of a clear-out by new coach Ange Postecoglou - and that's been good news, until now, for Sky Blues coach Vitezslav Lavicka. While neither club nor player will officially confirm a three-year deal has long been agreed, nobody is disputing the fact either.

Lavicka hinted as much when asked about whether he would be pleased if his future goalkeeper produced another decent performance in the preliminary final, replying: ''I've thought about it, I watched their game [against Newcastle Jets] and he did a very good job ... he has also been good not just in that game but in the last part of the season for Wellington, just like their whole team. It will be interesting to play against him on Saturday, but of course we have a real intention and a big desire to win.''

Asked whether the circumstances were awkward, Reddy said: ''No, not really. If it happens that I help knock out my future employers, that's something they might have to take up with me next year. Right now I'm a Wellington player, they pay my wages, and there's nothing I'd like better than playing in my first grand final.''

That the Phoenix are within one match of the title-decider is due in no small way to Reddy's renaissance. Wellington have lost just twice in 11 games since he arrived at the club as an injury-replacement for Mark Paston, and he has rarely enjoyed his football so much.

''I needed the change, and it's worked out well,'' he said. ''I've probably never been in a squad where everyone gets on so well.

''The last couple of months is probably the best stretch of form I've had in my career… hopefully it will end up being two months and two weeks, because we're in a great position to go to the grand final.''

Reddy has added incentive to produce another influential display - he finished on the losing side of the past two preliminary finals.

''I've been to this stage twice in the last two seasons with Brisbane, so I know how much it hurts when you lose,'' he said.

- © Fairfax NZ News