Wellington Phoenix coach Ernie Merrick is relieved after his five All Whites have returned to the Phoenix with no injuries following their successful trip to the United States.
Andrew Durante, Louis Fenton, Michael McGlinchey, Kosta Barbarouses and Matt Ridenton were all on the trip and will be available for the Phoenix when they face Perth Glory tomorrow night.
"It's really good to have every player available," says Merrick.
"We have had a short, low-intensity training session.
"They have all come up well. We brought over a couple of extra players just in case."
Merrick believes his side learned heaps from the five International players, but wants his experienced players out on the pitch so they can get their season underway.
"You learn something from every match. We had a very inexperienced defence, which didn't help.
"We will leave the decision till tomorrow. But the way I see it, we will have a very strong team out there tomorrow.
"There is a bit of completion for places in the midfield and upfront too."
The Phoenix lost their opening match of the season to Melbourne City 1-0. The Phoenix tried everything they could to move the match to later in the season, but their request was declined.
The Phoenix beat Perth in their only match in Western Australia last season 2-1.
Newshub.
