Phoenix coach Giancarlo Italiano hopes to have his new import on the pitch for next weekend's Kiwi derby in football's men's A-League

Attacking midfielder Chico Geraldes joins Wellington after being loaned out for a second time by his Malaysian club.

Italiano - who's optimistic the Portuguese player will feature against Auckland FC next weekend - outlines the new acquisition's attributes.



In further good news for the Phoenix - Italiano says captain Alex Rufer's in line to return from illness in tomorrow's game against the Victory in Melbourne.