There was Phelan at Logan Park, roaring at an imaginary defence as the bemused keeper looked on.
"Liam is a good goalkeeper, but he is as silent as a Trappist monk," the Otago coach said.
"From his position behind the defence he has the best view of the game, and it's vital that he passes on information.
"Not that Liam is alone; most of the New Zealand lads are near silent on the pitch, and we need to improve that aspect of our team organisation.
"Every ball that is played should have advice passed on with it, and players further away from the ball should be calling and making sure our team shape is balanced and opposition players making runs are picked up."
Little's attempts at roaring advice barely scared a nearby duck, which had Phelan rolling his eyes.
But the volume will come.
"It's a vital part of team communication, and the whole team will also be doing their share," Phelan said.
On top of the excellent win over Canterbury, United's administrators had more to smile about yesterday with the news international clearances had been received for German players Martin and Robert Genschur.
The paperwork was sent from Germany on November 6 but took longer than expected to arrive, while the frustrated Oberliga players continued to train with United's squad.
Centre back John Chisholm is working hard and, with Blair Scoullar likely to return soon after a knee injury, competition for places in Otago's starting XI will increase.
Phelan said he was encouraging competition for places, and training at Sunnyvale was going well.
