5 Sep 2010

Herbert holds off naming lineup to keep players on edge

7:15 am on 5 September 2010

The Wellington Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert's holding off naming his side for Sunday's A-League football match against competition leaders Perth, as he considers changes in the wake of last round's loss 1-0 to Brisbane.

Herbert will name his starting eleven tomorrow but has put his players on notice in the wake of a flat first half performance in Brisbane, when the performances of several key players were found wanting.

Herbert says with plenty of depth in the squad everyone needs to show they're ready to fight for their place in the side.

The Phoenix have lost their last three games in Perth without scoring a goal.

Goalkeeper Mark Paston's the only player with any injury concerns as he's recovering from a groin strain but is set to play.

Defender Manny Muscat is on international duty with Malta and will miss the Perth game while new signing, former Melbourne Victory midfielder Nick Ward has joined the side.