The Wellington Phoenix will look to put their disappointing A-League finals campaign behind them when they begin preparations for next season with matches in Fiji this weekend.
It'll be the first time that any A-League club has toured a Pacific country, with the Phoenix set to play four matches - the first team playing two against the Fiji national side while the Phoenix reserves will play twice against the Fiji Olympic team.
The Phoenix striker Roy Krishna will play for his national side on Saturday, which coach Ernie Merrick says will make things interesting when he comes up against the likes of Andrew Durante and Ben Sigmund.
"The defenders are getting a bit worried. Sigmund says he'll probably sort him out in the first game and Durante the second one!"
Striker Roy Krishna will be hoping he can again get the better of Phoenix captain Andrew Durante. Photo: Photosport
"He's actually a terrific lad and he's extremely popular over there... he can't walk down the street (without getting attention) and he's such a modest, quiet easygoing sort of character. I'm certainly looking forward to coaching him for another season."
Merrick says the trip will also give the Phoenix an opportunity to scout some local talent although they are limited by being allowed five non-New Zealand or Australian players.
He says they will be on the lookout for a couple of younger players who they might be able bring into their Academy and develop long term.
