Wellington Phoenix striker Paul Ifill is raring to go just a day out from the 2010/11 A-League season opening weekend.

The only problem is, he has to wait until week two before the New Zealand club take the park.

With the inclusion of an 11th team, Melbourne Heart, the new season will see one club have a bye each week and unfortunately for Ifill, the Phoenix have to sit out when all the other clubs get to hit the pitch for premiership points.

"Some people say (a bye) is a good thing because you see what everyone is about and you get a week off. But I want to get into it yesterday," said Ifill.

"We're at home I suppose (for the first game) and against a team we normally do well against. I suppose you can't ask for more than that.

"But you're playing catch-up because a lot of the teams are going to be three points ahead of you. It's a funny old start."

The Phoenix take on Gold Coast United on Friday August 13 at Westpac Stadium in their season opener in week two of the 2010/11 season.