It may be Danny Vukovic’s last few games at the Wellington Phoenix but he is showing no signs of diminished passion for his current club after preventing them from an embarrassing scoreline against Sydney FC on Wednesday night.
According to the A-League website, Vukovic made eleven saves for the evening, eight in the first half. However, also according to the A-League website, Bruno Cazarine got on the scorecard and Nick Carle converted a penalty. Luckily they’ve finally accepted that Vukovic is a goalkeeper, and not a midfielder.
Coach Ricki Herbert was praising of his ‘keepers efforts against Sydney, but would not be drawn in to saying it was his best performance in Wellington colours.
“It was top drawer, I was saying to the boys, it’s surprising he’s not a Socceroos contender. But no he’s been outstanding, it could have been a real rough night for us”
“I think he’s been good for a long time. Once he got his chance for the side he’s never looked back. So you just have to compliment what he’s done all year for us.
The player next year will head to Perth Glory to take up the number one spot from Tando Velaphi, who has subsequently chosen to leave the club for Melbourne Victory.
“Players move on don’t they? They said we couldn’t replace Shane [Smeltz] but Paul Ifil arrived so hopefully there’s another ‘keeper out there that can do the job. But Mark [Paston]’s on with us anyway so we’ll see where he gets to with his injury”
Opposing captain for Wednesday night’s clash, Terry McFlynn, also thought Vukovic put in a good stint but that it was nothing unusual for the player.
“I think Danny’s shown over six years in the A-league that he’s a fantastic goalkeeper. He’s represented Australia in numerous occasions on youth level. He showed tonight what a great goalkeeper he is”.
And so will Vukovic have a chance at representing Australia at senior level? With the Asian Cup now finished, Socceroos coach Holger Osieck can now experiment more freely with less experienced players. Long-standing national team goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer will eventually hang up the boots, and, at 25, Danny Vukovic could well be due for a call-up.
Image courtesy: Pete Nowakowski
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