PREVIEW: Phoenix include six academy players in Australia Cup squad

The Wellington Phoenix will be without captain Alex Rufer, defender Tim Payne, and newly-signed midfielder Paolo Retre for Tuesday’s Australia Cup tie against South Melbourne.

Head coach Giancarlo Italiano says the trio are not match-fit for the game, and his matchday squad has been impacted by players who have been on international duty at the Olympic Games and the OFC Nations Cup.

The Phoenix have taken a young squad to Melbourne, including six players from the club’s academy.

“My focus has been on the players’ welfare as first priority,” Italiano said.

“It’s usually not the norm, having so many players out due to the Olympics and the Nations Cup.”

*Alby Kelly-Heald … won the Golden Gloves award at the recent OFC Nations Cup. Photo: Phototek.*

However, this provides a platform for academy players to step up, such as Alby Kelly-Heald who is set to get the nod in goal.

“We’ve had a large chunk of academy boys come up.

“The OFC U-19s Championship with Greeny (men’s reserves head coach Chris Greenacre) was a couple of weeks ago so that was a little bit interrupted, but they’ve filtered now into the first team environment.

“I’ve been quite impressed, and we have six boys from the academy in the squad.

“I’m looking forward to getting some of those younger boys the opportunity to play, show me what they have and stake a claim for some potential scholarship spots.

“It’s more for them to really embrace an exciting night with some diehard fans.”

The Australia Cup has provided a round of 32 clash against South Melbourne FC at Lakeside Stadium.

“I’m always excited when these things happen<” he said.

“It was a year ago that we were getting ready for the Peninsula Power game, the first game for myself as a head coach,” Italiano said.

“I was excited then, I’m excited for this game as well.

“I think there’ll be a lot of loyal supporters that show up, and it’ll be a great experience for our players.”

Although not an A-League side, South Melbourne will provide stiff competition, currently flying at the top of the National Premier Leagues Victoria.

Their last match saw them lift the Dockerty Cup, beating Oakleigh Cannons on penalties in Victoria’s premier cup competition.

This is their first appearance in the round of 32 since 2021.

*Head coach Giancarlo Italiano … ready for a new campaign.*

“It’s like every game we play in the cup, the opposition’s always going to give us difficulty,” Italiano said.

“They’re very well structured; they set up for a lot of counter-attacking football, very direct.

“They have some big boys up top which makes it easier for them to play, and very difficult for us to try and neutralise.

A new season offers new challenges, but Italiano is refreshed after the offseason break.

“I went away to Thailand and Japan for an extended period.

“Japan was an eyeopener in terms of football content and I got a lot of good ideas, met with a lot of clubs.

“It was a really special time for me.”

The Phoenix had their best Australia Cup run in 2021, when they made the semi-finals. Last season saw them reach the round of 16 before being knocked out by Melbourne City.