Struggling Phoenix set to rush new signing in

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QUICK START: New Phoenix signing and Socceroo Jade North.

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Phoenix skipper Andrew Durante believes new signing Jade North has the ability to handle being rushed into the lineup for tomorrow night's clash with Sydney FC in Wellington.

Durante knows Ward better than anyone in the Phoenix setup.

North, the Australian international, was Durante's defensive partner from the Newcastle Jets' Hyundai A-League championship–winning team in 2007/08.

North only arrived in the capital today but will be on hand for the Phoenix's home match and could well reunite with Durante in the Phoenix's backline to face the Sydneysiders.

"It'll be very exciting to have Jade onboard finally," Durante said.

"There's been a lot of anticipation around his arrival and he'll finally be here. Hopefully he steps into the squad on Saturday and does the job for us."

Durante does not believe the short turnaround before the game will be a problem for his mate, who has been on international duty with the Socceroos in Europe. While Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert is yet to settle on his 15-man match-day squad, Durante is certain North will be ready if called upon.

Herbert's thinking will also be influenced by the close on-field partnership Durante and North developed at Newcastle.

"If he gets picked to play his first game at home in front of a new home crowd I think Jade will get through on pure emotion and adrenalin," Durante said. "He'll be excited to play and to get some minutes under his belt.

"Hopefully Jade and I will be able to continue the good partnership we built a few years ago."

Manny Muscat returns to Phoenix duty after playing for Malta in two Euro 2012 qualifying matches and is likely to be included in the squad.

Goalkeeper Mark Paston has been bothered by a neck strain and will undergo a fitness test on Saturday morning before a decision is made on his availability. Young Danny Vukovic will wear the gloves in his first start for the Phoenix should Paston be forced out.

Combative midfielder Vince Lia is also under an injury cloud and will have a fitness test on tomorrow morning.

Sydney FC have their own injury problems, with key men Nick Carle, Terry McFlynn and Alex Brosque all ruled out .

However, Durante said the Phoenix would not underestimate the defending champions, who currently languish at the bottom of the table.

"They're a quality team, they just haven't found their rhythm yet. We definitely can't take them lightly. Although we're at home and we're very confident at home, we can't get too cocky going into this game."

The key would be establishing dominance early and putting in a complete team effort – something that had not happened in the Phoenix's two recent losses on the road.

- © Fairfax NZ News