Phoenix swoops on second city player | Manawatu-Wanganui Sport | Surfing, Rugby, Soccer, Football, Cricket in Manawatu-Wanganui

Wellington Phoenix has plucked a second Wanganui footballer from obscurity.

Several weeks after signing defender James Musa, they have been trialling 19-year-old goalkeeper Nick Hayward, the son of former Wanganui Athletic coach Karl.

Hayward, formerly with Wanganui City, but now with Palmerston North Marist, was talent-spotted by Phoenix assistant coach Johnathan Gould in Masterton recently.

Hayward picks up the story:

"I was played for Marist against Wairarapa a few weeks ago and Wairarapa later asked me to play for them in a warm-up game against the Phoenix."

He must have impressed in that game because soon after Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert phoned him with an offer of a trial.

And there was no way young Hayward was going to turn down the All Whites coach.

He had a solid workout with the side this week, sharing goalkeeping duties with World Cup hero Mark Paston.

So what's it been like rubbing shoulders with Paston and the other Phoenix stars?

"Mark's a really nice guy. He's given some great advice, such as try and avoid spreading my legs too much, stay focused, watch my hand co-ordination and so on ...

"But all the Phoenix guys have been really good. I had a long chat with Ricki, too. It's all worked out really well."

Hayward hopes to get half a match for the Phoenix against a New Zealand under-20 team in Wellington  on Saturday in what will be the Wellington side's last hit-out before the A-League resumes the following Saturday.

Long-term, Hayward harbours hopes of a professional soccer contract one day, but he's not getting ahead of himself.

He knows he's only got a toe in the door at the Phoenix and realises he's going to have to work really hard before the other nine make it through as well.

Simon Butters column: P19