Herbert close to two new Phoenix signings

PHIL REID/Dominion Post

NEW SIGNING: Roberto Oscar Cornejo in action for the Wellington Phoenix.

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Things are starting to fall into place for Wellington Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert.

It's understood Herbert has signed Argentinian playmaker Oscar Roberto Cornejo – an official announcement is expected today or tomorrow.

Also, Australian striker Mirjan Pavlovic did his chances of winning a contract no harm with a hat-trick in a Phoenix XI's 5-1 pre-season win against Wairarapa United in Masterton yesterday.

Herbert wants to sign 21-year-old Pavlovic and will talk to him today. "He scores goals and that sounds easy, but it's not always an easy thing to do," he said.

"He's hungry and he's done a good job for us."

There's also brighter news on the Jade North front.

The Socceroos central defender has been offered a contract by the Phoenix and although he is mulling over options in China, Herbert is increasingly hopeful of securing the former Newcastle Jets captain, possibly even today.

"Hopefully it's not too far away. We're just waiting for that final tick and hopefully we're going to get it."

Meanwhile, the venture into the Wairarapa yesterday was by all accounts an overwhelming success.

Schoolchildren in the region were given the afternoon off so they could make the 2pm kickoff and contributed a large portion of the bumper 2500-strong crowd at Hullena Park.

The Phoenix responded to the public interest by adding some star power, with Paul Ifill a last-minute callup to their largely second-string squad.

Ifill played the final 20 minutes and was one of several players who, along with Herbert, were surrounded by youngsters after the match.

"It's all about spreading the profile of the club around the community and today was fantastic," Herbert said.

Aside from Pavlovic's hat-trick, "Toto" Cornejo and Diego also found the back of the net for the visitors, who led 3-0 at halftime, while Andrew Abba scored for the locals.

- © Fairfax NZ News