Goalkeeper Paul Izzo stakes claim for maiden Socceroos call-up after inspiring Adelaide United to unlikely win over Newcastle Jets

Paul Izzo has pushed his claims for a maiden Socceroos call-up with another star showing in Adelaide United’s win over Newcastle. And even coach Gertjan Verbeek has been quietly complimentary of the Reds goalkeeper.

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His coach may not say it, but Adelaide United goalkeeper Paul Izzo is staking a claim for a maiden Socceroos call-up, after his latest masterclass secured the Reds a smash and grab 2-1 victory over Newcastle Jets.

The SA-born custodian was at his brilliant best to frustrate the visitors at Hindmarsh Stadium on Sunday, keeping his side in a contest it was largely second best in.

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Manager Gertjan Verbeek paid tribute to Izzo, who made five crucial saves in his best-on-ground display and again pushed his case for national team recognition.

But the shrewd Dutch boss, who said his team was fortunate to escape with three points, refused to get carried away with his keeper’s contribution.

Adelaide United goalkeeper Paul Izzo produced a standout display in the Reds’ victory over Newcastle Jets. Picture: Mark Brake/Getty Images

“It’s a stolen win,” Verbeek said.

“The opponent was more on the ball, (won) more second balls and we were the lucky team.

“We have to thank Paul Izzo.

“I gave him a compliment because … he was very important for us.

“It’s his job, he gets paid for it.

“But he did a very good job today.”

Izzo made decisive stops to keep out Ben Kantarovski’s header and Angus Thurgate’s close-range finish, before George Blackwood gave the hosts a first-half the lead.

The former Australian youth international denied Matthew Millar, Thurgate again and Nick Fitzgerald after the break, following the Jets’ equaliser.

Paul Izzo makes a close-range wonder-save to deny Angus Thurgate during Adelaide United’s A-League clash with Newcastle Jets. Picture: AAP Image/James Elsby

His fine display was rewarded when James Troisi showed strength and quality to weave through the visitors’ defence and slot home the winner seven minutes from time.

It was 24-year-old Izzo’s second-straight star showing in an impressive campaign, after he made seven saves in last Sunday’s defeat to Wellington Phoenix.

English Premier League star Mat Ryan remains the Socceroos undisputed No.1.

But Campbelltown City product Izzo was emerging as potential understudy among a host of contenders, including fellow A-League keeper Andrew Redmayne.

Verbeek said his team scored twice against the run of play in the success, which reclaimed third place on the table heading into next weekend’s bye.

Adelaide United midfielder James Troisi slots home the Reds’ late winner against Newcastle Jets at Hindmarsh Stadium. Picture: Mark Brake/Getty Images

But the mentor, who refused to blame the sweltering 38C heat or injured playmaker Riley McGree’s absence, demanded more from his charges going forward.

“If you look at the way we played football (against Newcastle), I was not amused,” Verbeek said.

“We had a reactive team and we want to be active.

“There was no energy in the team, there was not enough aggression in the team.

“It’s not the way I want to play football.

“I want to be the boss here in Coopers Stadium and we weren’t.

“Then you have to be a little bit lucky and that we had today.”

Originally published as Goalkeeper Paul Izzo stakes claim for maiden Socceroos call-up after inspiring Adelaide United to unlikely win over Newcastle Jets