Lia's future on the rise with Phoenix

Teo Pellizzeri

June 17 2008

Shepparton News

Former Tatura soccer player Vince Lia has been backed by his Wellington Phoenix coach and teammates to have a big A-League season and hold down a position in the starting XI.

Phoenix head coach Ricki Herbert and New Zealand international Tim Brown both praised Lia's commitment in pre-season with the team currently in a training camp on the Gold Coast.

Lia signed a two-year contract at Wellington earlier this year to extend his stay at the club which kept his A-League career alive after he was released from Melbourne Victory.

The 23-year-old broke into the Wellington team for 13 games last season after his pre-season and early rounds were interrupted by injury.

Finding a niche at right back was Lia's way into the side, Herbert backing Lia to hold the position for the 2008-09 campaign with a solid pre-season.

``He's become hugely important,'' Herbert said.

``Vinnie was up against it with the injury hiccups last season, but he's fit now and will be looking to start in our best 11.

``I want his Phoenix performances to be good enough to have him in contention for Australian colours.''

Brown, capped 11 times for New Zealand and a contender for Phoenix captaincy this season, said Lia was one of the players from last year's wooden-spoon team that was determined to improve.

``The way Vince trains and plays is showing me he's committed to making the right back position his own,'' Brown said.

``He's a top bloke and someone with a real chance to become a leading player in this team.''

Wellington starts its A-League campaign with home games against Queensland Roar on August 17 and Melbourne Victory on August 24.