No post-World Cup hangover, says Bertos

ROSS GIBLIN/The Dominion Post

HEAD IN THE GAME: Wellington Phoenix winger Leo Bertos says the World Cup hangover definitely isn't affecting him.

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Leo Bertos admits he's off his game but denies he's suffering from a post-World Cup hangover.

The Wellington Phoenix midfielder was dropped to the bench for Sunday's 2-1 loss to Perth Glory and some have questioned whether he and his fellow All Whites are struggling to get back into the right headspace.

Bertos had only a week away from football after returning from South Africa but says that's not to blame for his form slump.

"I guess people can say what they want to say but I know, for me, that's not the case," Bertos said.

"I had enough rest when I got back and I've been buzzing from the first training session I've been back. I guess when results don't go our way, people seem to single things out like that. But I'm feeling good. Hopefully I can start this weekend and get out there and show what I can do."

Bertos admitted the demotion had stirred his competitive instincts.

The Phoenix are eighth after two away losses and Bertos said Saturday night's game against last-placed defending champions Sydney FC at Westpac Stadium was a must-win.

"It has definitely woken me up and it has made me get my stuff together to make sure that I'm training hard, got my head down and make sure I put my hand up to play this weekend."

Bertos operated as a wing-back at the World Cup and there is a school of thought that his attacking prowess has been blunted as a result.

But Bertos said he remained confident about taking on defenders.

Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert also dragged off out-of-sorts midfielder Tim Brown at halftime against Perth and Bertos said that ruthless approach would pay dividends.

Herbert has plenty on his plate this week and international defenders Jade North (Australia) and Manny Muscat (Malta) arrive in Wellington on Friday.

They won't have time to train with the team but Herbert said both were in the frame to play Sydney.

Working in North's favour is his established relationship with Phoenix captain and central defender Andrew Durante.

Together they won the A-League title with Newcastle Jets in 2008.

"They know each other well and I'm sure Jade will be itching to play," Herbert said.

"He's missed a couple of games by being away so it's just whether that travel component is going to be a problem or not."

Herbert has talked about playing a 3-4-3 system including North, Durante and Ben Sigmund at the back but won't rush into that against Sydney.

Midfielder Nick Ward, who played the second half against Perth, is pushing hard for a start but Herbert was not about to write Brown's obituary.

"A quality player, a great player for us last year, eight goals and you've got to manage these people. I think it's easy to drop them quickly, but it's not my style.

"I think there's a strong loyalty to whoever it may be in the team and we've got to work through it. But they're all accountable and they've got to deliver at certain times.

"Leo, I think, we had to freshen up last year. And I think at times he sort of slips into these things but I think he'll be fine on Saturday night.

"If he's selected and he's there to do a job, I think you'll see the true Leo back."

- © Fairfax NZ News