Wellington Phoenix's Troy Hearfield is planning to win his right-back spot in Sunday's encounter with Perth glory.

The 22-year old has fallen out of favour this season after being a key member of Ricki Herbert's line-up last term and in Many Muscat's absence, will be keen to put in a strong performance against the league leaders this weekend.

''I think I was hard done by, but that's football and that's part of being in a good team,'' he said.

''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 said he would love to force his way back into the starting line-up and hopes Herbert can somehow find a place for both he and Muscat like what happened last season.

''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 added.

''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."