To see Sydney's training session...

To see Phoenix's training session...

Phoenix have lost the fight to retain the services of their star player but until he packs his bags, the New Zealand international has vowed to continue making life miserable for opposing defenders.

Smeltz was on target in Wellington's 2-1 win over Sydney FC in round six and the visitors triumphed 3-2 on Sydney soil in the Pre-Season Cup.

Sydney skipper Tony Popovic admits dealing with Smeltz is another challenge for the likes of Beau Busch and Antony Golec but says it isn't as though they've crumbled in the face of other quality strikers since coming into the side.

He said: "They've dealt with Danny Allsopp in Melbourne and (Carlos) Hernandez in front of 30,000 people away from home.

"Smeltz is a great player and scores goals regularly for Wellington. We will keep an eye on him but won't pay him any special attention."

Smeltz himself is looking forward to the Sydney clash and is determined to see out his final months at Westpac Stadium on a high.

He said: "Phoenix supporters have always been fantastic with me and I want to thank them all and give them a guarantee that I will be doing what I have always done, which is to give 110 per cent in every game to help the club climb the ladder."
To see Sydney's training session...

To see Phoenix's training session...