More please, says Macallister

Wellington Phoenix striker Dylan Macallister is looking for more of the same – from himself and his teammates – as the Phoenix shift their drive toward the Hyundai A-League 2010/11 playoffs into high gear.

The Phoenix take on Melbourne Victory at Westpac Stadium in Wellington on Wednesday night looking to maintain the good form that has brought them a win (4-0 v Newcastle Jets) and a draw (1-1 v North Queensland Fury) in their past two outings.

Those games were especially important for big striker Macallister, who found the back of the net on both occasions.

“The last few weeks I’ve been back in the team and the goals have been going in, so I’m really enjoying my football at the moment. It was frustrating for me for a while, I wasn’t getting too many minutes and I just concentrated on working hard and staying focused. That’s paying dividends, so I’m looking forward to getting back on the pitch on Wednesday night and having another big game.”

While Macallister is pleased to be doing what strikers do best, he credits consistency throughout the team as integral to the Phoenix’s lift in form.

“Things are going well for us all over the pitch. We’re consistent, we’re working hard to not concede goals and they’re going in up front. We’ve been very strong in the midfield and we’re getting goals from players there as well.

“Having (striker) Paul Ifill out is a big loss but I think it’s shown the depth we have in the squad. The last few weeks we’ve all stepped up and taken four points from six without him in two quite tough games.

“Wednesday will be no different. We’ve got to push on because we all know what’s at stake.”

Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert has indicated Tony Lochhead will start at left back against the Victory after fully recovering from a groin injury. Skipper Andrew Durante returns at centre back alongside Ben Sigmund as a straight swap for Jade North, who is on Socceroos duty at the Asian Cup in Qatar.

What Herbert is yet to decide on is the makeup of his attacking line. With specialist strikers Macallister and Chris Greenacre full of confidence, Herbert has a pleasant dilemma to ponder.

“I love playing alongside Greenie and I think we work well together,” said Macallister. “So whether Ricki goes for two strikers up front on Wednesday night or only one will be a tough call. It’s great that we can give the coach those sorts of headaches – that’s want we want as professional footballers.

“On the pitch we fight for spots and wait to see what Ricki decides.”

The Phoenix currently sit in seventh position on the ladder, with Victory fifth. Sandwiched between them is Melbourne Heart, though both the Phoenix and Victory have games in hand on the Hyundai- A-League’s new boys as the race for the top six heats up.

“We’re at home on Wednesday night and there are big expectations,” said Macallister.

“Other teams have got results ‘for’ us, which is helping us out on the table, but it’s crucial we win our games now and make sure we’re there at the end of the season and in the playoffs.

“Victory are a great side and they’re coming on strong now just like we are. It should be a cracking game and it looks like there’ll be great weather, so hopefully everyone’s out here supporting us and we take three points.”

Wednesday night’s game kicks off at 7.30pm.