The 18-year-old was in training camp with the All Whites for six weeks in the lead-up to the qualifying game against Bahrain in November and made his mark on Phoenix and national boss Ricki Herbert.

Wellington chief executive Tony Pignata said the youngster impressed the club.

"Jonathan Gould (Phoenix assistant coach) spotted James playing at a national age group tournament and was impressed with his ability," said Pignata.

"On that basis we invited him to train with the club and Ricki was also very impressed with what he saw.

"Our commitment as a club is to play a leading role in developing young New Zealand players and James is a talent we believe can really go places."

Musa is primarily a central defender, but can cover other defensive positions.

The English-born defender moved to New Zealand 12 years ago and is confident he can make it at the top level.

"I wouldn't be here, otherwise, and obviously the coaching staff has faith in me," he said today. "My aim is to work hard and learn from the coaching staff and players around me.

"I want to get experience and set myself up for the future."

Musa's mother Mandy, a local referee, last year told the Wanganui Chronicle she and her husband Memo were "over the moon" with the progress James had made.

She added: "It's been a dream of James to play professional football and play for Phoenix."