Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
Patrick Beach knows he’s a back-up to Socceroos captain Maty Ryan.
But the emerging goalkeeper will at least feel confident he can step in if required at the World Cup after a standout performance against Switzerland.
Beach, 23, earned his second cap in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at San Diego’s Snapdragon Stadium.
He made two big saves to deny Dan Ndoye in the opening minutes, was commanding coming off his line and generally looked calm and assured.
“I had a strong game,” Beach said.
“I did my part as best I could in making saves, and with the ball at my feet when the time came – and just tried to help the team stay in the game.”
Confident Beach will take plenty out of performing against a well-credentialed team like Switzerland.
“At the end of the day, my job is to stop the ball. It doesn’t matter who’s behind it, I just think of it as another person who’s trying to score against me, and I’m not going to let them,” Beach said.
“So it gives me lots of confidence.”
Coach Tony Popovic praised Beach for making some crucial saves, while defender Harry Souttar was “buzzing” for the Melbourne City shotstopper.
“He kept us in the game the first half – two or three unbelievable one-on-one stops,” Souttar said.
“He was good with the ball at his feet.
“And he’s a great character. Everyone in the dressing room loves him and he’s always positive. I’m so happy for him.”
Popovic wouldn’t buy into the pecking order between Ryan, Beach and Paul Izzo.
When asked about competing with Ryan, Beach said: “I obviously embrace it but Maty’s our captain and obviously I respect him massively.
“He’s helped me a lot since I’ve come into camp the last 18 months and helped me grow my game.
“So I’ve got a lot of respect and admiration for Maty and always looking at him to learn.
“He’s the benchmark, and I want to improve as much as I can under him.”
