22 Aug 2012

Youngsters to get a start for Phoenix

8:37 am on 22 August 2012

The Wellington Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert has called on his School of Excellence players to fill the gap left by the suspension of three of his players.

Andrew Durante, Manny Muscat and Ben Sigmund have all been banned following the ill-tempered A-League pre-season match against Newcastle at the weekend.

That means youngsters Tyler Boyd, Louie Fenton and Luke Rowe are set to make their senior debuts in the first match of their Indian tour in Imphal on Friday.

While he hasn't finalised a line up, Herbert says Boyd, Fenton and Rowe are likely to be included.

Herbert says he's delighted the club's vision and initiative in setting up the School of Excellence project has begun so well, and it's been satisfying to watch such a dedicated group of young players who are seeking contracts progress so well.

The Phoenix arrived in New Delhi on Sunday evening after a 15-hour trip from Sydney and have been training in 40 degree heat and a burning sun.

they've also had to put up with torrential rain.