I've seen enough from the various All Whites games to say that I'd definitely want him at the 'Nix. The problem though is can he play the style Ernie wants? He doesn't have Riera's skill set, (at least I don't think he does?) but I'd be happy with him as an understudy to Gorrin and a back up for DM in a different style. He'd be stronger than Ridenton.
See Rufer, Hicks and Ridenton as understudys to WeeMac. Though I guess I've seen more of Ridenton and Hicks than Payne.
The Phoenix gets its best results with a player named Tim in the mids.
Can he get into the MLS?