Langerak Loving Dortmund Life

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Borussia Dortmund's Australian Mitch Langerak says he's all set for the thrilling prospect of being thrown in at the deep end for the Bundesliga leaders if an opportunity should come the back-up keeper's way.

The 22-year-old, who joined the German giants on a four-year deal from Melbourne Victory in the European summer, has made a smooth transition at Dortmund as Roman Weidenfeller's shadow shotstopper in every match this campaign.

Langerak said being involved in matchday squads has been fantastic but he's undaunted by the prospect of being called upon if needed in goals.

"To be involved with the squad every week being on the bench, I might be one injury away from playing in the Bundesliga, that's exciting," Langerak said.

Dortmund, who currently lead the Bundesliga by seven points after a superb start to the season, are one of the title fancies in Germany.

Langerak said he realised the pressure which could fall on his shoulders should an opportunity come his way but added he would be prepared if needed.

"It'd be crazy if something like that did happen," he said. "I try to be ready for each game.

"I try to prepare for each game the same way like I did at Melbourne and if I get a chance to come on then I've just got to be ready for it."

Langerak may not have seen a minute of competitive action for Dortmund since moving to Germany but he was involved in a number of pre-season friendlies.

The Queensland-born youngster said his experience from these matches would help him if called upon.

"It was good at the start of the season to be able to play a few pre-season matches, we played against a few good teams," he said.

"It's a solid pre-season so to get the chance to play was good and get used to playing with the boys."

Langerak was put on standby for Australia's August friendly against Slovenia when Han Berger was in charge but said he had not heard from new boss Holger Osieck.

The young goalkeeper admitted his lack of game-time at Dortmund meant he was not expecting a call anytime soon but he does harbour Socceroos ambitions in the future.

"Definitely one day down the track. At the moment I'm not playing so I can't really expect to be selected," he said. "Besides that, Australia has got so many good goalkeepers, it's definitely one position where Australia is doing really well in.

"For me, one day down the track I'd love to be in the Socceroos but for now it's probably a long way off."

Langerak is happy to continue to learn at Signal Iduna Park and wait for an first team opportunity rather than seek a loan move out of Dortmund to get game-time.

"For me that's a long way away, I don't think I'll be going on loan at this point," he said. "But anything can happen. At this point I'm the number two goalkeeper and I was brought in to do that job.

"Whatever happens in the season happens, but at this point I'm looking to stay here for a long time and eventually I can hopefully be the number one."

Dortmund host struggling Borussia Moenchengladbach this Saturday in the Bundesliga and Langerak said he hoped the team can continue on their winning ways.

"The boys are doing well at the moment, we're on top of the ladder, so it's exciting times," he said. "Big teams (Bayern Munich, Werder Bremen, Schalke 04) have struggled at the start, with a few unfortunate losses.

"It's helped us put a bit of a break on and now we're seven points clear. If we can continue this form hopefully we can keep that break, if we're top at Christmas it'd put us in a really good position."

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