ON THE PLANE: Nick Ward's sore head is good news for Wellington Phoenix midfielder Daniel, who is likely to feature heavily against the Newcastle Jets.

Phoenix midfielder Daniel has dedicated last Sunday's goal against the Newcastle Jets to embattled former club owner Terry Serepisos and is dreaming of many more to come – both in Wellington and for the All Whites.

The Brazilian-Kiwi is one of five survivors from the inaugural Phoenix season in 2007-08, along with Mark Paston, Tony Lochhead, Tim Brown and Vince Lia.

But while remaining a firm favourite with the fans, Daniel faded into a substitute's role last season as he battled injury niggles and a form slump.

Now 31, and in the final season of his contract with the Phoenix, Daniel picked the perfect time to send a reminder of his abilities against Newcastle.

Star striker Paul Ifill limped off with a groin strain early in the match and Daniel performed strongly in his place, scoring a goal and rattling the woodwork with a quality free kick.

Serepisos, invited on to the pitch before the game to wave at fans, was the inspiration.

"I think Sunday was a beautiful day in Wellington," Daniel said.

"A beautiful three points at home, we did it for Terry, Terry is a special guy for us. Terry is a personal good friend and he asked me before to score a goal for him and I did.

"This goal is for him, he did a lot for us and for New Zealand, for football, and I think he needed this. Four years ago, nothing was happening in football here in New Zealand. He started it and I'm part of this because I arrived here in 2007.

"I saw everything that he did for the club, for football and we're very happy."

With Ifill not flying to Perth today for Sunday's game against the Glory, Daniel will get a rare start on the flanks.

He was frustrated coming off the bench but "respected" coach Ricki Herbert's decision.

"But I think now I have a good chance to stay in the 11 and I hope I can do OK."

Daniel's wife and two children are settled in Wellington and he becomes eligible to play for the All Whites next February.

"I'll be honest, I want to finish my career here. If I continue at the Phoenix and play for All Whites, that's the dream, that's perfect."

Daniel underlined his commitment to New Zealand by offering his support to the All Blacks, who play their World Cup final at the same time as the Phoenix on Sunday. "I hope they can win and everyone in New Zealand celebrates, that's good.

"Celebrate both – maybe we win on Sunday too and again, two victories for New Zealand."

Herbert said he had been impressed by Daniel's attitude this season. "I think he looks livelier this year, he looks fit. He was probably a little bit injury hamstrung last year but I think he's kind of free of all that and he's doing things really well."

Phoenix travelling squad: Tony Warner, Tony Lochhead, Andrew Durante, Ben Sigmund, Manny Muscat, Nick Ward, Alex Smith, Dani Sanchez, Daniel, Leo Bertos, Chris Greenacre, Mark Paston, Brent Griffiths, Nikolas Tsattalios, Jimmy Downey, Cameron Lindsay.