Wellington Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert will be forced to reshuffle his line-up following the injury to left-back Tony Lochhead.

The New Zealand international will undergo groin surgery next week, the injury forcing him to the sidelines for around eight weeks.

His absence will force Herbert to play Maltese international Manny Muscat at left-back even though he has been playing well in midfield but the 25-year old says he is happy to help wherever.

"It's bad news for Lochy but I think I can do a job for the team there (on the left). Obviously it's always tough to switch positions, particularly in the first game, but you mould yourself into that new position as times goes by," Muscat said.

"Positionally I should be okay given that I've played on the right. If Ricki puts me there I'll look to move the ball a little quicker because it's not my preferred foot, play the simple ball and overlap as much as I can. Ricki has always encouraged me to get forward."

Muscat will be deployed in the left-back position when the Phoenix host North Queensland Fury at Westpac Stadium tomorrow night.