Smith, 25, scored the opener in last Sunday’s 2-0 NSW Premier League grand final victory over Sydney United and put in an eye-catching performance before flying directly to New Zealand to train with Ricki Herbert’s outfit.

He impressed enough to earn a three-month injury replacement contract and has agreed personal terms with the club, though visa issues are likely to scupper Smith's chances of making the teamsheet for Phoenix’s opening A-League clash against Gold Coast United.

Ironically it was the glitter strip club which released Smith just months after signing him in the off-season, paying him out of his contract in order to bring in star striker Maceo Rigters.

The deal ends a rollercoaster month for the English-born American who returned to Sydney after his controversial United split to help the Blues to an historic grand final win.