Barbarouses came off the bench to score for Phoenix in their 3-1 defeat at Sydney Football Stadium on Sunday and did enough to stake his claim.

The 19-year-old has had to bide his time as a regular player, initially down the pecking order behind star Shane Smeltz in the club's first two seasons and more recently Chris Greenacre and Paul Ifill.

But he has long had an admirer in Phoenix coach Herbert, who has helped develop to natural talent of the homegrown favourite.

The rising star is set for another chance to shine on Wednesday night when the Phoenix take on Newcastle United in a round 10 catch-up match against the Newcastle Jets at Westpac Stadium in Wellington.

"Costa did well when he came on and we might elect to start him (against Newcastle)," said Herbert. "After all, he's not tired, is he?

"I think for a young player the need and want to play has to be there so much and there can't be any disappointment. I feel that Costa's reached that point now. He looked mature against Sydney and he delivered."

The player himself achieved his goal at the weekend, to make a difference for his side, and he was happy despite the defeat.

"When I came on off the bench against Sydney, my intention was to make an impact," Barbarouses said. "Even though the team was down it was nice to cap it off with a goal and I think I went pretty well."

Barbarouses has been patient during his time with Phoenix, playing just 11 games to date, and eight of those appearances off the bench. But he understands and appreciates the rationale behind Herbert's decisions.

"It can get frustrating but I do realise that I'm only young and that nothing comes easy. I understand that I have to work hard and that opportunities will come," he said.

"Hopefully this season can be the season that I push on and get more game-time. I want to build on last weekend's performance and I'm looking forward to another shot against Newcastle."

Top of Phoenix's list of priorities is nailing the Jets and extending an unbeaten home run of 11 matches.

"We've got a good team, we're combining well and hopefully I can be there to finish off the opportunities we've been creating," added Barbarouses.

"With the double-header I've got extra incentive because I need to be ready to take my chances when Ricki calls on me."

Phoenix have named an unchanged squad for Wednesday's match, though first-choice goalkeeper Mark Paston will undergo a fitness test after being replaced early in the match against Sydney FC following a collision with teammate Ben Sigmund.

He is thought to be 50-50 for the Jets clash but not in danger of missing New Zealand's upcoming World Cup play-off second leg.