Bosnich backs in-form Galekovic

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Bosnich backs in-form Galekovic, keeper hopes Pim will give him the nod

Richard Earle From: The Advertiser May 06, 2010 9:18AM

Chance ... Eugene Galekovic. Source: The Daily Telegraph
SOCCEROO great Mark Bosnich has anointed him - now Adelaide United keeper Eugene Galekovic is nervously hoping for an "amazing" call-up in Pim Verbeek's 2010 World Cup assault.

Former Manchester United shot-blocker Bosnich has backed Galekovic and Melbourne Victory's Mitch Langerak to support brilliant No. 1 custodian Mark Schwarzer in South Africa next month.

"It is good, coming from another keeper," said Galekovic of Bosnich's endorsement ahead of Reading's Adam Federici and Middlesbrough's Brad Jones.

"At the end of the day it is Pim's decision so hopefully he agrees with it."

Ultimately it is Verbeek's opinion that matters - meaning an almost unbearable wait until the official squad announcement next Tuesday.

"It is getting close and obviously I kind of want to know if I am in or out," said Galekovic.

He came to national prominence in goal during United's 2008 Champions League campaign before making an Asian Cup qualifier debut for Australia in January last year against Indonesia.


Victory discard Galekovic never contemplated a World Cup berth until another A-League form surge which has extended into the 2010 Champions League campaign.

"Six months ago I had to take it a game at a time but now I have almost done all I can - just wait and see what happens."

"It would top off the last couple of years. To be in that kind of squad would be amazing. If I do get in I will take it and enjoy the experience."

Galekovic's value will increase with any Socceroos selection and he does not hide a desire to graduate to the top flight in Europe.

"I definitely do still have ambitions to go overseas either in Europe or Japan," said Galekovic, adding he's also focused on Wednesday's Champions League round of 16 clash with Korea's Jeonbuk at Hindmarsh.

Verbeek travelled to Japan to view Galekovic first-hand during the Reds' 1-0 loss to Sanfrecce Hiroshima on March 31. It was a trip the Dutchman was unlikely to have made unless seriously considering the burly Red in his World Cup plans.

"We had a basic chat in Hiroshima. He came back to the hotel and had dinner with the team.

"It was good to have him there and see he was keeping an eye on us."

Langerak, on the shopping list of Bundesliga giant Borussia Dortmund, is still green by goalkeeping standards at 21 while Galekovic is entering his prime, along with Jones and Federici.

"I think there's a few guys still in the mix. It will be a very close decision," said Galekovic, noting Jones had been sent off in a 2-0 loss to Leicester last weekend.

"It's out of my control but hopefully some good news comes my way."

Galekovic knows Verbeek recently rated Fulham favourite Schwarzer as the most consistent custodian in world football.

"It is pretty much Mark's spot to keep unless he gets injured. Pim has him in his World XI, which says a bit about him," said Galekovic. "Mark is a great goalkeeper."

1 comment on this story

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i think langerak has pipped vukovic as the next big aussie kepper, the dortmund deal will be sorted soon while a world cup call up should see galekovic off to europe