NEW ZEALAND'S two-goal hero from the All Whites' stunning 2-2 draw with Wales has signed for Wellington Phoenix FC.

Shane Smeltz's two-year deal with the new Hyundai A-League club caps a memorable few weeks for the striker, who nailed a double for the All Whites in their memorable 2-2 draw with the Ryan Giggs-led Wales in Wrexham on May 26, shortly after being released by English Nationwide Conference club Halifax Town.

Smeltz's signing brings to 18 the number of players signed by Wellington Phoenix FC. He joins fellow Kiwis Tim Brown, Tony Lochhead, Mark Paston , Glen Moss, Vaughan Coveny, Costa Barbarouses, Jeremy Christie and Steven Old at the club.

The 25-year-old Smeltz will link with All Whites coach Ricki Herbert at the Wellington Phoenix. Herbert has developed a knack of getting the best from the striker and is confident Smeltz will provide real value to the team.

“Naturally I know a lot of about Shane because of our involvement in the national team and he’s worked hard and done a good job leading the attack against some good international opposition,” Herbert said.

“His performance in the match against Wales really cemented my desire to get him involved with the Phoenix. From a timing point of view, it’s worked out well for Shane and for the Phoenix. He wants to be here and we want him here.”

Herbert said Smeltz would play a key role in the Phoenix strikeforce.

“He creates great opportunities on attack and is a good finisher. From a pace point of view, I think he’ll cope well in the A-League and complement the different style of strikers we have in the likes of guys such as Vaughan Coveny and Royce Brownlie.”