Plenty to smile about for Brockie

Wellington Phoenix striker Jeremy Brockie has had plenty to smile about on his club's tour of India.

Seven goals in two games has even had opposition fans singing his praises, but the likeable easy-going Kiwi isn't getting carried away with his success.

He knows that carrying his current form into the A-League season is what really counts, but for now he is just enjoying the moment.

"Being an attacking player, scoring goals is what it is all about," Brockie, 24 says.

"Confidence has a lot to do with getting goals, but for me it is also about making sure my body is in the right shape; that I've done all the necessary rehab work.

"The combinations with other players are starting to gell and me and Paul Ifill already have this weird understanding that we know what the other is going to do.

"Paul is one of those players who can be quiet for 10 minutes and then, bang, he's put the ball in the net or set up a chance for someone else.

"He is such a dangerous player. I've watched him in the last couple of seasons and been thinking I would love to play alongside someone with his vision. Now I am."

India isn't an easy place to tour, especially going to smaller cities and towns in the North-East of the country, but Brockie usually has a smile on his face both on and off the field.

"One of the good things about playing football for a living is that you get to see different parts of the world.

"India is a bit of a culture shock but it makes you appreciate what we have back in New Zealand.

"There have been a couple of slip ups along the way but you have to look at the positives.

"I would probably never have come here on holiday so I am seeing something I would have missed and it is good to be away from the training ground in Wellington.

"Just turning up there every day during pre-season becomes repetitive and it is good to be away with the boys because there is always lots of banter."