Phoenix's Krishna boosted by Rudan chat

When it comes to goal scoring, Wellington Phoenix marksman Roy Krishna is a glass half-empty kind of guy.

Krishna will play against Sydney FC counterpart Adam le Fondre in Sydney on Saturday in a clash of two of the A-League's most lethal marksmen.

Le Fondre leads the golden boot race with 13, one clear of Krishna and Perth's Andy Keogh.

It's a prize that matters little to the Wellington speedster, nor does his latest gong, when announced as the PFA's player of the month for January.

Krishna insists his lone focus is on the fortunes of the sixth-placed Phoenix, whose place in the finals is still not assured.

That's why he's still kicking himself over butchering a one-on-one chance during last week's 1-1 draw against Melbourne Victory at Eden Park.

It matters not to the 31-year-old that he scored the game's cracking opening goal, his sharp volley underlining a rare instinct in front of goal.

"It was obviously disappointing. We had a few chances we should have put in," Krishna told reporters.

"It was good to convert one but I should have got two. It's part of football and I just have to keep working hard."

After netting just four times last season, Krishna credits a pre-season chat with new coach Mark Rudan for igniting his drive.

He is an out-and-out focal point for the Kiwi club, touching the ball a league-high 123 times in the box. His 27 shots on target is bettered only by le Fondre's 35.

Sydney FC successfully nullified Krishna's pace when the teams met a month ago in Wellington, sitting back and forcing the Kiwi club to make the play.

Krishna hopes he has learned from it and has spent the week plotting revenge.

He insists talk of his future beyond this season is far from his mind, with media reports having linked him with A-League rivals Newcastle and Central Coast.

"The main focus is not about me. I've just got to perform every week and whatever comes I'll be happy," he said.

"I'm just enjoying every week - Mark has given me the freedom to believe in myself, which I was lacking last season, and it shows."