Paul Ifill could be back for Wellington Phoenix's knockout final against Adelaide United this Friday night. The 31-year old striker has been out of action since he injured his leg against Newcastle Jets on December 18 but is close to regaining some sort of match fitness and is a chance of playing at Hindmarsh Stadium says coach Ricki Herbert.

"Paul will train [tomorrow] and he's running injury free so he's champing at the bit to be part of it," Herbert said.

"He's probably a little bit short [of fitness] but we may take him. We can put another one on the bench for the finals series so that gives us a little bit more chance.

"If it's right, we'll use him, if it's not, we won't. It's probably still marginal but there's a reasonable chance that he'll travel."

Ifill's potential return will only strengthen the Phoenix attacking line which has been well-served by Chris Greenacre, who has scored three times in the past six matches, and Dylan Macallister who has scored six in ten.