Wellington Phoenix striker Paul Ifill feels he will come back from his week off in even better form than before.
The English-born Barbadian international missed his first match in 37 for the Phoenix with a groin problem that forced him out of the weekend's home game against North Queensland Fury.
But with a week off to clear the mind and get the body right, Ifill is planning to fire when the Phoenix take on Gold Coast United on Friday night.
"I had a bit of time to think about my game and what I haven't been doing and what I have been doing," the 30-year old said.
"It came at a good time in a way, although it was a shame to stop the run because it was 37 games which is quite a lot for me.
"But I start again and come back fitter and fresher. I needed to get sharper and a couple of weeks of hard work have helped."
Following the United game, Ifill will travel to the Caribbean to link up with the Barbados national team for CONCACAF Gold Cup qualifiers against St Kitts & Nevis, Montserrat and St Vincent/Grenadines between October 6 and 10 and he said Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert will be keeping a close eye on how things go.
"It's three in five days which is a bit ridiculous. I don't think the gaffer (Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert) will be pleased if I play in all of them, especially with the injury. I'll have to take it a bit easier," he added.
