Wellington Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert has tipped goalkeeper Danny Vukovic to be called up for the Australian national team in the near future. The 25-year old produced a stellar performance as his side were beaten 2-0 by Sydney FC in Sydney, making save after save to deny the home side.

Herbert, who doubles as coach of the New Zealand national team, was full of praise for Vukovic who play his last Phoenix match against North Queensland Fury this weekend before joining Perth Glory.

"Danny was outstanding and kept us in the game because Sydney were by far the better side," Herbert said.

"I will be surprised if I don't see his name in a Socceroo squad sometime soon.

"He was different class tonight, and made so many saves that I guess he was bound to cop one eventually, but he will be disappointed with the way it happened (own goal off teammate Nick Ward's head).

"We were missing a few key players tonight but you have to deal with it and we are not making excuses."