Wellington Phoenix get Aussie thumbs-up

THE Wellington Phoenix will enter the A-League season in the unfamiliar position of being talked about as finals contenders.

Normally the team are the Australian media’s and bookies’ favourites to claim the wooden spoon, but most are tipping them to finish in the top half of the table this year.

Most betting agencies have them between $8 and $10 to win the title after going out in the first round of last season’s finals, although the odds were somewhat surprising to coach Ernie Merrick, given the lukewarm reception they are usually afforded across the ditch.

‘‘Last year it was interesting, I think we were 33-1 right at the start of the season, then when were top of the league we were about 7-1 or 8-1,’’ he said.

‘‘[This year’s odds] show’s there is a bit more respect for us, we’ve only really lost one key player, albeit Nathan [Burns] was a very good player and top goal-scorer, but he was the only real regular [starter] we’ve lost.’’

Captain Andrew Durante tweaked his calf at training on Tuesday, but Merrick said that barring a disaster during the week he should have all 22 of his players available for selection for the game against the Newcastle Jets on Sunday.

‘‘You never know what can happen at the last minute, but at this stage I’ll be picking from a full squad.

‘‘We’ll have a few light sessions during the week and one on Saturday, before we go on Sunday.’’

A stable squad was always the goal for Merrick over the offseason and he has retained the bulk of his starting XI aside from Burns.

Merrick

said

it

left him

with one of the strongest the league.

‘‘We’ve got a midfield with the quality of [Roly] Bonevacia, [Michael] McGlinchey, [Albert] Riera, [Vince] Lia, [Alex] Rodriguez, with backup from players like [Alex] Rufer and [Matthew] Ridenton and I just get the feeling it’s one of the best midfields in the league.

‘‘They’re your engine, they are attackers and defenders, they’ll supply and support the strikers, protect the defence.’’

Last year’s champions

midfields in

Melbourne