19 Sep 2009

Phoenix ponder how to keep Fowler quiet

6:58 am on 19 September 2009

The former Liverpool and England striker Robbie Fowler has been the centre of attention for the Wellington Phoenix in the lead-up to the A-League football match against North Queensland in Wellington on Sunday.

Fowler, one of the game's legendary strikers, has been in good form for the Fury in recent weeks, scoring four goals for his new club.

The Phoenix assistant coach Jonathan Gould who, along with Ifill, has played against Fowler in the past, says the key to limiting the impact of the 34-year-old - who was known as 'God' earlier in his career - will be to deny him possession.

Gould though says they need to be wary of not putting too much emphasis on Fowler and ignoring the danger posed by North Queensland's other players.

The Phoenix will be without defender Jon McKain, who suffered a quadricep injury late in last weekend's draw away to Melbourne.

However, New Zealand international centre back Ben Sigmund returns to the squad after recovering from a hip knock picked up during the All Whites' international friendly win against Jordan.