The 21-year-old Caira and the Phoenix agreed to a mutual termination of his contract last week, which prompted suggestions that Merrick may be in the market for another player but that's not the case.
"I'm pretty happy with the squad we've got," Merrick said. "The next transfer window is in January, we'll probably relook at it then but at the moment I'm very happy with the squad we've got."
Following a defeat and a win to start their season, Wellington will host the Newcastle Jets at Westpac Stadium in the capital on Sunday.
Newcastle are yet to win a game this year, while they also have an unhappy record at the Cake Tin.
The Phoenix look set to name the same starting XI that have played the first two games of the campaign despite a minor ankle concern around left back Tom Doyle. Merrick was due to make a final call tomorrow. (sat)
"He's got a knock on the ankle so if there is a change it would be due to injury," Merrick said of Doyle. "Otherwise he'll be in the starting XI for this week."
Meanwhile, Phoenix striker Jeremy Brockie watched his penalty hit the bar during last week's 2-1 victory over Central Coast but Merrick said the striker remained one of the side's best when it came to spot kicks.
Brockie received a stroke of luck last Saturday as Michael McGlinchey was able to head in the rebound, which glossed over his miss.
As for who would be on penalties in the coming weeks, Merrick said he would leave it to the players to decide.
"On match-day, providing they're scoring consistently at training, I prefer to leave it to the player that feels most confident."
If Wellington was to win a penalty on Sunday, the smart money would be on McGlinchey to step up. The new recruit has scored twice in as many games this season.
- by Daniel Richardson of APNZ
