AFP, Wellington :
Wellington Phoenix announced the return of New Zealand international Shane Smeltz on Monday, as the A-League strugglers attempt to turn around a disappointing season.
Smeltz, 35, has spent recent months playing for Kedah in the Malaysian Super League and said he was keen to return to the club where he began his A-League career in 2007.
“I am physically in top shape, as my stint in Malaysia showed,” he said.
“I played 18 games in three-and-a-half months at a club that had no physio or doctor, scored 11 goals and played 90 minutes in every game.”
The Phoenix are currently eighth on the A-League ladder and have failed to impress this season, prompting coach Ernie Merrick to quit this month.
Smeltz-whose career in the Australian competition has also included stints at Perth Glory, Gold Coast United and Sydney FC-insisted the New Zealanders could still make the play-offs.
“My intention is to be successful and the least I want is a top six finish,” he said.
Wellington Phoenix announced the return of New Zealand international Shane Smeltz on Monday, as the A-League strugglers attempt to turn around a disappointing season.
Smeltz, 35, has spent recent months playing for Kedah in the Malaysian Super League and said he was keen to return to the club where he began his A-League career in 2007.
“I am physically in top shape, as my stint in Malaysia showed,” he said.
“I played 18 games in three-and-a-half months at a club that had no physio or doctor, scored 11 goals and played 90 minutes in every game.”
The Phoenix are currently eighth on the A-League ladder and have failed to impress this season, prompting coach Ernie Merrick to quit this month.
Smeltz-whose career in the Australian competition has also included stints at Perth Glory, Gold Coast United and Sydney FC-insisted the New Zealanders could still make the play-offs.
“My intention is to be successful and the least I want is a top six finish,” he said.
