The Wellington Phoenix striker is looking to add to an impressive start for the A-League new boys when Queensland Roar arrive for tonight’s Pre-Season Cup clash in Christchurch.

New Zealand international Smeltz, 25, had the honour of bagging the Phoenix’s first competitive goal in last week’s 3-0 drubbing of Sydney FC, going on to score twice.

Now he is looking to add to that tally against Frank Farina’s outfit and ensure that the ‘feel-good’ factor continues to grow in the Wellington camp.

And while the Phoenix squad has been assembled from scratch by coach Ricki Herbert, it certainly isn’t a case of perfect strangers, especially in the strikers’ department.

Like some of his colleagues, the forward has travelled a long way ‘home’ in order to answer Herbert’s call but he has no regrets about doing so.

Before joining the Phoenix, Smeltz had been plying his trade with English non-league clubs AFC Wimbledon (formed after the original club of the same name was transplanted to Milton Keynes) and Halifax Town respectively.

But the man who bagged both New Zealand’s goals in a 2-2 draw with Wales earlier this year, is back on home turf and hungry for success.

He said: “I hadn’t really thought too much about being the first player to score a (competitive) goal for the club but it’s nice when you put it like that.

“It was just good to help the team to the win and now we want to continue to build against Queensland.

“Nobody is getting carried away. We want to go into the season well and to get off to a good start. I think that’s important. Ricki Herbert has brought in some good players and we’re all getting on really well. That’s all credit to Ricki.”

And it is something of a ‘friends reunited’ situation in the forward line. Smeltz knows both fellow strikers Vaughan Coveny and Royce Brownlie of old.

He said: “Obviously I’ve played with Vaughan at international level and Royce was at Brisbane Strikers and also the Queensland Academy.

“Everyone is working really hard and I’ve no doubt the fans will come out to back us as well.”

More than 6,000 supporters turned out for Wellington’s victory against Sydney last week and the club is hoping for another healthy attendance in Christchurch this evening.

Club media manager John Mitchell said: “Christchurch people love their sport and hopefully they will turn out to see what we’re about.”

Although Smeltz is aiming to hit the goal trail again tonight, coach Herbert does have several injury headaches ahead of the game.

Tim Brown, Vince Lia and Richard Johnson are yet to take part in the 2007 Pre-Season Cup with defender Cleberson now added to the crocks club at Westpac Stadium.

The Brazilian has a minor hamstring strain and will not be risked against the Roar.

Injuries aside, Herbert feels the Pre-Season Cup is a useful exercise in preparing for the battles ahead.

He said: “I still think it’s going to take a minimum of these five competitive (2007 Pre-Season Cup) matches to get us to where we really need to be.

“The pleasing thing from the game against Sydney FC on Sunday was we continued to create chances, as we did against the Mariners, but we were able to put some away this time.

“I’ve always been a firm believer that if you are creating then things will change for you.”

Tonight’s third-round 2007 Pre-Season Cup match against the Queensland Roar at QEII Park in Christchurch kicks off at 7pm. Tickets cost $10 for adults and will be on sale at the gate from 5.45pm. Children (16 and under) and students (with suitable ID) will be admitted at no charge.