Captain Steven Taylor is counting down to when Wellington's two big A-League signings get on the pitch together, and consign the deeds of Roy Krishna and David Williams to the memory bank.
Former Celtic striker Gary Hooper has trained strongly this week and the marquee man is a chance to return to action away to Adelaide United on Sunday, after missing the last three Phoenix games with a quad strain.
Hooper's return could hand the last-placed Kiwi club a potent double menace up front, according to Taylor, who is in awe of the skills already on display from Ulises Davila.
Mexican Davila notched his fourth goal of the season and an assist in last week's 2-1 win over Brisbane, their first three-pointer of the season.
The left-footer has thrived since coach Ufuk Talay moved him from a wide berth to the classic 'No.10' role behind a front man, reducing his defensive workload and liberating a full array of tricks.
The 28-year-old former Chelsea signee has become a focal point for Wellington supporters, who were spoiled by the 29 combined regular season goals that departed strikers Roy Krishna and David Williams tallied last season.
Former Newcastle United stalwart Taylor has labelled his teammate a "magician".
"That's my word for him," Taylor said. "He's unbelievable with his ability on the ball.
"I see it day in, day out. In pre-season, you take note of the quality that he has.
"You see his passes and it's fantastic for them [fellow forwards]. He adds that extra bit of quality."
Taylor has his fingers crossed Hooper can be fit and firing to join Davila against an in-form Reds side, whom the Phoenix haven't beaten in four years.
Hooper's brief appearances earlier in the season weren't enough to showcase what a threat the pair could be in tandem.
"Defences will be very mindful. They'll need two players to deal with [Hooper] because he's got his hold-up play and his work rate," Taylor said. "He just doesn't stop running, he's an absolute machine.
"I can't wait for them to get a run of games together and I'm sure the goals will follow."
AAP
