Paston was inspirational for the All Whites in last month's World Cup qualifier against Bahrain, pulling off a stunning penalty save to book his country a spot at the world's biggest sporting event next year.

The 32-year-old has also been excellent for Phoenix this season but missed last weekend's 4-1 defeat against Brisbane Roar after badly corking a thigh following a collision with skipper Andrew Durante at training.

Young keeper Reece Crowther was in the firing line as Phoenix's usually rock-solid defence wilted in the Brisbane heat.

Paston admitted the Brisbane match was a tough one to watch.

"It was difficult. As a player you want to be out there contributing on the field and watching it on TV isn't good," he said. "We didn't defend to our usual high standards against Roar.

"This season we haven't let too many teams have a good look at goal and the Brisbane game was certainly one where we didn't play all that well. The good thing is that everyone involved put their hands up and admitted that."

With Victory stretching away at the top of the table and enjoying a purple-patch of form, Paston said Friday night's match would be a litmus test for Phoenix.

"We simply need to get back to where we have been," he said, referring to Phoenix's own superb run at form at home. "We haven't been letting in many goals and as a unit we have to recapture that drive to limit the teams on attack and their shots on goal, naturally that will limit the number of goals they get - if any.

"It's pretty simple really. If I keep the ball out of the back of the net, we don't lose."

While Paston is looking forward to starting between the sticks back at the scene of his World Cup heroics, there's another reason the Phoenix keeper is excited about Friday night's match.

Former Phoenix number one Glen Moss has returned to Wellington, this time in Melbourne colours.

"Mossy was a real favourite of the fans here and he was one of the stars for us in the first two seasons," Paston added.

"I'm sure he'll be champing at the bit to play back at Westpac Stadium for the first time since he left and I'd love to see him at the other end of the pitch on Friday night."

Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert has named a 16-man squad, which will be reduced by one on gameday.

Troy Hearfield is a shot to start at right back in place of the suspended Manny Muscat, while midfielders Jon McKain and Diego Walsh return from injury.