Australia: Mark Schwarzer Backs Gold Coast United's Jess Vanstrattan To Get To 2010 World Cup

Australia’s goalkeeping supremo, Mark Schwarzer, says this will be a huge season for Gold Coast United shot-stopper Jess Vanstrattan as he fights for a place in South Africa.

The 26-year-old 'keeper has spoken before about his desire to be selected in Pim Verbeek’s squad for the 2010 World Cup finals, where he plans to challenge Schwarzer for his position.

Speaking to goldcoast.com.au, the Fulham shot-stopper backed Vanstrattan to sneak into the squad, after returning to the A-League from a seven-year spell in Italy that saw him struggle for game time with the likes of Hellas Verona and Juventus.

"This is a huge year for Jess because, in many people's eyes, he is a bit of an unknown quantity," said Schwarzer. "When he was in Italy he did not get much game time at all.

"Now he will, so it's up to him to stand up and impress the [Australia] coach, Pim Verbeek.

"I know a lot of good things have been said of him and I know that Pim is aware of his potential.

"The thing now for Jess is to be playing week in, week out in the A-League and excelling.”

Vanstrattan was unveiled as one of the first signings for Gold Coast as they prepare for the debut A-League season - and given the ambitious nature of the club, the spotlight will certainly be on the shot-stopper as he plays alongside Socceroo Jason Culina.

Adding to that pressure will be his knowledge of the competition for the three goalkeeping spots in Verbeek’s squad to travel to South Africa, with Middlesbrough’s Brad Jones, Reading’s Adam Federici and Sivasspor’s Michael Petkovic all boasting international experience and regular football in Europe – two qualities Vanstrattan does not possess.

However, Schwarzer believes that even his own position within the Socceroos squad is not certain with 11 months and a full season between now and the 2010 finals.

He continued, "Everybody has a chance this far out and Jess is no exception; there is still definitely hope for him.

"At this stage it's all up for grabs, and that's how it should be.

"I also have to maintain the standards I've set to be on the plane.

“Nobody is guaranteed anything at this stage."

Since the last time he was quoted as wanting to challenge Schwarzer, Vanstrattan has taken on a considerably more humble tone.

"Mark's the benchmark for all Australian 'keepers," he said. "I'm looking forward to meeting him and measuring myself against him.

"But it's quite obvious I have a long way to go to get anywhere near what he's achieved.

“But, like Mark said, I’m sure if I have a big season then I’ll push myself into contention for the World Cup.

“That’s definitely the plan.”

Chris Paraskevas, Goal.com

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