Sydney FC striker Brendan Santalab says the All-Whites striker has been on fire for struggling Phoenix this season with three goals from four games.

He is continuing hot form from last season which saw him net nine times in a side that finished bottom.

And Smeltz has transferred that form to the international stage. He was on the scoresheet on September 6 when New Zealand confirmed their spot as Oceania Confederation champions with two goals against New Caledonia in a 3-1 win in Noumea.

And the former Adelaide United striker backed that up with another brace in the return leg in Auckland. In doing so, the 26-year-old Kiwi matched Keith Nelson's 30-year-old record of scoring in six consecutive internationals and equalled the 10-goal haul Nelson managed in that run.

"Shane Smeltz at Wellington has again been impressive at a club that's not doing well. That's impressive to see someone like Smeltzy stand out," Santalab told au.fourfourtwo.com.

"Players like that can take the next level and possibly Europe's a good option for him. Have a good season again and then take the next step, if he gets the opportunity..."

New Zealand now face the winner of the two third placed sides in AFC round four qualifiers. Australia could potentially still end up playing their old rivals from across the Tasman for a spot in South Africa, although Qatar, Iran and North Korea also loom.

Santa added: "I think the A-League will lose him if he plays in the World Cup.

"I don't know how their chances are of making it to South Africa though."