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Troy Hearfield - Source: Photosport -
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Wellington Phoenix utility Troy Hearfield believes he has been hard done by, and he intends to make the most of a rare chance in Sunday's fifth round A-League soccer match in Perth.
Hearfield was a regular starter at right back in the Phoenix's charge toward the playoffs, and ultimately the preliminary final, last season but has since dropped out of favour with coach Ricki Herbert.
The former Australian age group representative has made two appearances off the bench this season, totalling just 28 minutes from the Phoenix's first three matches.
But with Manny Muscat called into the Maltese national squad this week, the pacy Hearfield will most likely get the chance to reclaim the spot he feels he did not deserve to lose in the off-season.
"I think I was hard done by, but that's football and that's part of being in a good team," the 22-year-old said today.
"If you look at last year, I think I didn't do much wrong, but that's the way it is. It's frustrating."
Hearfield doesn't class himself as an out-and-out defender, never has. His strength is further forward but he did a more than adequate job at right back last season, often using his speed to cover up any defensive weaknesses.
There is a touch of irony in that Muscat's absence is again providing Hearfield with an opportunity.
Muscat's three-match suspension last season opened the door for Hearfield's move to right back, and Muscat could only force his way back into the starting team through a switch to the midfield.
Hearfield is hoping history repeats.
"That's what I would love to happen again, it's what happened last year and it's a good opportunity for me to step up again. Hopefully I do exactly the same this weekend," he said.
"I love running at players and attacking and that will always be my No 1 thing. I'm still learning right back but wherever the gaffer asks me to play, I will."
Hearfield will also use Sunday's match against table-topping Perth to prove a point to those outside the team.
He said he had been stung by talk he could be on the outer at the Phoenix given the shape and personnel Herbert has employed in the early stages of the season.
"Reading a few blogs, there are a lot of people who have a lot to say about me at the moment," Hearfield said.
"Is Troy getting shown the door? Is Troy doing this or that?
"It's part of playing professional sport. A lot of people talk and a lot of people who talk don't know what they're talking about, but that's life and you have to deal with it.
"It urges me on when people say things, it gives me that eagerness I had last year. I want to play well this week and start next week against Sydney as well."
