Hogg joined the Portland Timbers following a strong campaign at the London Olympics with the New Zealand U-23 side.
While he didn’t make any first team appearances with the Timbers, he did play with the reserve side.
The 23-year-old says playing for a professional side in his home country is up there behind playing for the All Whites, so he is looking forward to the challenge.
“I’ve been waiting for a while to get my break here and now that it’s come I can’t wait to get started,” Hogg says.
“I think it is a good time to come in because Ricki is giving young guys a chance and playing a new style that I believe will suit my game.
“At the Olympics the team played a free style type of game which allowed me to get forward and hopefully it will be the same here.
“It’s up to me now that Ricki has given me this opportunity and I will be working hard to show I’m up to it.”
Hogg, who hasn’t played since September, came through the Phoenix fitness testing without any issues.
“No player likes the tests and while I hadn’t trained for a couple of months, apart from some running, I am naturally fit and got through it okay. I’m sure I’ll be fine after a couple of weeks training,” he says.
The defender will start training with the Phoenix squad on Wednesday and will be eligible to play for the club from January 14.
Also making a move recently was Hogg’s New Zealand U-23 teammate James Musa who has joined Hereford United on a month-long loan from Premier League club Fulham.
The 20-year-old made his debut for side in the fifth-tier Conference National League on Saturday against leaders Grimsby Town where a 1-1 draw helped the Bulls extend their record on the road to one defeat in 11 matches.
Heresford boss Martin Foyle says Musa is a strong addition to his squad.
“We’re delighted to bring in James, he’s a utility player who can play in a number of positions, and he will add some real competition for places to our squad,” Foyle says.
Born in Plymouth, England, Musa has represented New Zealand at U-20 and U-23 level, and was offered a trial by Fulham after catching their eye during a substitute appearance against Egypt at Old Trafford during the Olympics.
He has played for the Phoenix in the A-League and has also made appearances for Waitakere City and Team Wellington in the ASB Premiership.
Musa made his debut for Fulham’s U-21 development side in a 3-0 defeat against Liverpool in October.
For more on New Zealand Football visit www.nzfootball.co.nz

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