Wellington Phoenix winger Leo Bertos insists he is not hung over from the recent World Cup. The 28-year old New Zealand international has been met with media criticism for his mediocre start to the A-League season but says he is not suffering from any down time caused by the world's biggest sporting event.

"People can say what they want to say but I know, for me, that's not the case," he told NZ Herald.

"I had enough rest when I got back and I've been buzzing from the first training session.

"I guess when results don't go our way people start to look for things, but I'm feeling good. Hopefully I start this weekend and get out there and show what I can do."

Bertos was dropped for the weekend's clash with Perth Glory after a poor performance the week prior against Brisbane Roar but said he was comfortable with the fact that coach Ricki Herbert had to make changes for the betterment of the team.

"I guess the performance against Brisbane wasn't where we wanted it to be and it shows the depth we've got in the squad. That's a good thing," he added.

"If you don't play as well as you should someone will take your place. It's definitely woken me up and it's made me get my stuff together."

Bertos will be hoping he is in the starting line-up for Saturday's clash with bottom of the table Sydney FC at Westpac Stadium.