Newcastle Jets coach Gary Van Egmond called for the inclusion of in-form striker Joel Griffiths in the Socceroos squad after his injury time goal gave the Novacastrians a valuable 1-0 A-League win over the Queensland Roar.

The match seemed destined for a scoreless draw from the early moments with both sides unable to create clear scoring opportunities, but Griffiths struck in the 91st minute to seal the result at Suncorp Stadium.

The result closed the gap between the Jets and the second-placed Roar to just one point on the ladder.

The goal came from a wonderful cross from the far right by Jets midfielder Tarek Elrich, with Griffiths towering over his defensive rivals to head past Roar goalkeeper Liam Reddy.

The loss, described by Roar coach Frank Farina after the match as a "speed hump", ends an eight-match unbeaten run for the Queenslanders.

The match-winner was Griffith's seventh goal of the season, and prompted the Jets manager to call on the next Socceroos coach to consider him for selection.

"I think Joel's done tremendous this year and he's shown not only is he a provider of goals, he's a goal scorer as well, which he's really brought to his game this year," Van Egmond said.

"With any home-based squad or overseas-based squad I think he'd be a real addition, and whoever the new Socceroo coach is going to be should have a good look (at him)."

Van Egmond also championed the talents of goalkeeper Ante Covic, who for the second time this season saved a penalty shot against the Roar.

The 32-year-old Covic saved substitute Simon Lynch's 65th minute shot, mirroring his effort against a Craig Moore penalty shot when the two sides met in round nine in Newcastle.

"He for me is the form keeper ... and I hope he's not a forgotten man with the representative honours which may come up soon," Van Egmond said.

Aside from Griffith's header, Lynch's penalty was the only moment of excitement for the crowd of 14,193 at Suncorp Stadium, with both sides failing to find any fluency in attack.

Roar defender Stuart McLaren described the loss as "heartbreaking", but said it would prove a test for the squad ahead their top-of-the-table clash against the Central Coast Mariners next weekend.

"It's a bit heartbreaking to take the late goal but it's a little test for the boys to see how we bounce back," McLaren said.

The Jets' under fire striker Mario Jardel did little to quell speculation about his future, seeing very little involvement despite starting the game.

The 34-year-old was replaced at the break by Matt Thompson.

Roar striker Reinaldo left the field in the 57th minute after he copped a knock to his ribs.

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