Phoenix won't rush to replace Paul Ifill, whose season is over after Achilles injury Re-live all the highlights from Wellington Phoenix and Sydney FC A-League clash. Paul Ifill of the Phoenix is stretchered from the field with an injury. WELLINGTON Phoenix coach Ernie Merrick says he won't rush to replace forward Paul Ifill, whose A-League season is over after rupturing his Achilles tendon. Ifill was to undergo surgery on Monday following a grade three rupture during the 1-0 win over Sydney FC in Wellington - their first success in 11 games this season. The 34-year-old tweeted that his expected recovery time is eight-12 months and indicated that his future beyond that is uncertain as he comes off contract with the Phoenix this season. Merrick says the popular striker, who has scored 33 goals in just over four seasons and is regarded as the among the best players to represent the club, will leave a large void both on and off the field. Finding someone to match his class in the January transfer window will be a sizeable task and one that Merrick won't necessarily pursue. I feel as though we've got more depth in the squad now. I can bring players off the bench and they do a good job," he said. We're all in the same mode, or style of play now and that (win) will be a major boost for them. We've been playing that type of football for a while so they've got their rewards for it and hopefully we'll go on from here. Stein Huysegem's goal in the 33rd minute was one of numerous chances created by the Phoenix against a lacklustre Sydney FC. Paul Ifill of the Phoenix is treated for an injury during the round 11 A-League match against Sydney FC. Merrick believes his ninth-placed side didn't allow the visitors any freedom courtesy of a relentless pressing game, while slick passing around the fulcrum of playmaker Carlos Hernandez was impressive. Merrick hopes Hernandez can be as influential in their match away to the last-placed Melbourne Heart on Friday. By that stage Hernandez will have at last welcomed his family to New Zealand, ending a drawn-out episode in which the Costa Rican has voiced frustration to club officials about the delay in visa processing.