Brown Back And Raring To Go In Sydney

Never a good spectator at the best of times, Wellington Phoenix midfielder Tim Brown was a frustrated watcher when his team went down 0-2 to Hyundai A-League leaders Central Coast Mariners in Gosford last week.

Suspended after picking up a controversial yellow card in the previous game against Brisbane Roar, Brown was kicking every ball in the stand and will be relieved to be back on the field and kicking it for real.

“It is difficult to watch, especially at this stage of the season, and I’m looking forward to playing again,” Brown said.

“It has been a tough couple of weeks for the lads and it is important that we bounce back on Saturday.”

The Phoenix went into the home game against Brisbane in second spot on the ladder but two losses has dropped them to fourth and Brown wants to make sure they don’t drop further.

“Perhaps playing the two top teams was a reality check for us, but we’ve worked so hard to get where we are and things are so tight in this competition that you can’t afford to drop your standards.

“No player goes out to perform below their best but we haven’t had too many off days this season and perhaps we were due one.

“It was just one of those days and we have to respond in the right way.

“Sydney is a tough place to come and I hope it isn’t too hot, but I can assure you there will be no lack of effort on our part.”

The good news is that Brown and captain Andrew Durante, who was also suspended in controversial circumstances for the Mariners game, are back in the starting line up.

Coach Ricki Herbert said it is always difficult when regular first choice players are missing, but being without the captain and vice-captain made it more so.

“They (Durante and Brown) are so important to the team with their leadership qualities and we definitely missed them against the Mariners,” Herbert said.

“It is good to have them back and I’m sure you will see a much improved performance against Sydney.”
Manny Muscat will revert to right full back with Vince Lia moving into midfield at the expense of Alex Smith who will be on the bench.

Wellington Phoenix: Mark Paston, Manny Muscat, Ben Sigmund, Andrew Durante (captain), Tony Lochhead, Leo Bertos, Vince Lia, Tim Brown, Dani Sanchez, Chris Greenacre, Paul Ifill. Substitutes: Tony Warner, Alex Smith, Mirjan Pavlovic, Nicky Ward.