Smith eyes long-term deal

Striker Alex Smith is determined to earn a long-term contract with the Wellington Phoenix after netting his first goal for the club.

Smith was signed by the A-League club in October on an injury-replacement contract which ends on January 19, and has started six of the eight games he has played so far this campaign.

The American scored a consolation goal in the Phoenix’s 3-1 loss to the Melbourne Victory on Sunday and hopes his form will speak for itself.

“I’ve just got to keep playing well and see what happens,” Smith said.

“That side of things usually takes care of itself. I’ve just got to stay positive.”

The American felt he had been given enough opportunity to press his claims for a permanent contract.

“You can’t really make a name for yourself unless you get that chance and I’ve definitely been given that and I feel like I’ve taken advantage of it,” Smith said.

He was also unconcerned about dropping in and out of the starting line-up.

“When I was younger it was a bit tough on me. But when you get older and get a bit of experience you learn that that’s just football and that’s what happens,” he added.

“You just have to keep doing your own thing and whenever the manager calls on you he calls on you. You’ve just got to be ready whenever that might be.”

Sunday’s match, where he started up front with Chris Greenacre, was probably the first time the former FC Dallas striker had played in his regular position.

His strike against Victory capped off a strong performance and Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert has made positive noises about wanting to keep the 26-year-old on post-January.

“He’s not doing his case any harm that’s for sure,” said Herbert. “I thought he was very good at the weekend.”

“He’s better coming from behind the ball and he’s capable of scoring goals. He’s a shot to carry on at the club. I’ve been very impressed with him.”