Aspiring Phoenix players begin crucial trial period

ROSS GIBLIN/The Dominion Post

HOLDING UP WELL: Mirjan Pavlovic looked good in his brief appearance for the Phoenix against Boca Juniors.

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Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert has two priorities in the next three weeks, the first of which is to sign at least another three players by Sunday.

He'll get a chance to watch triallists during a training match against a Select XI in Masterton on Wednesday, then must make a call on three players or the club will be sanctioned by Football Federation Australia for not having at least 20 players on their roster by August 1.

One of those players must be an under-21 player, and Sydney trialist Mirjan Pavlovic – a big, strong lad in the mould of All Whites striker Chris Wood – would appear to have the inside running after impressing off the bench in Friday's win against Boca Juniors.

"He's well in the shop window," Herbert said of Pavlovic.

"We need to sign another young player, whether it's Pav or somebody else, but he's working hard and he's doing everything we need."

The other two signings could be Argentine playmaker Roberto `Toto' Cornejo, a mixed bag in his limited time against Boca, and English wide player Chris Shuker, who saw even less time but is bound get a good run on Wednesday.

Herbert said Cornejo was in town for two weeks, which would be enough time to make an assessment on the player who could possibly be the missing link for the club.

"I like him. I think he can be a good ball player so we'll give him some time," he said. "We need somebody who can play in the hole, do things and change games."

Herbert also wants another central defender – Socceroo Jade North has been offered a contract – while he was to talk to Simon Elliott this week, though chances of the All White being lured to Westpac Stadium appear slim.

Herbert's other priority is settling on a system before the first A-League match against Gold Coast on August 13, though much will depend on the players he signs.

His preference is for a 3-4-3, but he has options. He could revert to the 4-3-3 that served him well last season, or a 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-2, which were both used on Friday.

"However we elect to go, and we'll try some things over the next three weeks, the depth and quality is growing."

- © Fairfax NZ News