Wellington Phoenix have appointed Fernando vaz Alves as goalkeeping coach.

Vaz Alves has previously worked with Australia’s Under-17 and Under-20 teams, as well as Brisbane Roar, bringing through the likes of Mat Ryan, Mitchell Langerak and Mark Birighitti.

Phoenix general manager David Dome said: “Once we had drawn up a shortlist, Fernando was the standout candidate - especially with his record, not just for eight years in the A-League, but also for over a decade in two spells with the CoE and AIS bringing through Australasia’s best young ‘keepers.

“His passion, hunger for success, and clear footballing vision resonated well with Darije and Rado, so it was a no-brainer in the end.”

Vaz Alves, who was born in Angola and raised in Portugal, said: “When Rado (Vidosic, assistant coach) spoke to me about the vision of the club, the potential of the team this year, and the possibility of putting in place a long-term development program, I was very excited.”

The new goalkeeping coach is already working hard to identify a young third keeper to join Lewis Italiano and Oli Sail at the club.