blog.great-save.com

MARK Schwarzer is not about to release his vice-like grip on the Socceroos No. 1 jersey.

But he is delighted that his deputies are finally in a position to be considered legitimate contenders for his spot.

The goalkeeper with English Premier League side Fulham is all but assured of keeping his place throughout Australia’s World Cup qualifying campaign.

But the emergence of Adelaide United’s Eugene Galekovic and the fact Australia’s back-up goalkeepers are playing regular first-team football at club level has Schwarzer believing the future is bright when he hangs up his gloves.

“It’s been a little bit of a concern,” said the 36-year-old before Wednesday night’s World Cup qualifier against Qatar at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium.

“There are goalkeepers out there who are talented goalkeepers, but if you’re not playing week in, week out football, then it’s very difficult to be chosen for your national team.”

Following the retirement of long-time deputy Zeljko Kalac, Galekovic and Michael Petkovic are the reserve goalkeepers in the Socceroos squad.

Both have the advantage of being first-choice keepers at their respective clubs, with 32-year-old Petkovic having played 64 matches for Turkish club Sivasspor.

Schwarzer, meanwhile, hailed the decision of the forgotten man of Australia’s goalkeeping ranks, former Joeys star Jess Vanstrattan, to return home to join A-League expansion club Gold Coast United.

“It’s early doors because he hasn’t played very much football in the last couple of years . . . (but) it’s going to give him the opportunity to perform and show what he can do,” Schwarzer said.

Schwarzer also tipped returning defender Craig Moore to play an integral role in Australia’s qualifying campaign now the Queensland Roar skipper had reversed his decision to quit international football.

“I personally didn’t believe he was making the right decision. I thought he should have stayed on . . . and it proved me right by seeing him in camp yesterday,” Schwarzer said.

“I think he’ll be here for the rest of the campaign, without a doubt. Once you make that decision to come back into the team, you might as well see it through.”

Moore, 32, isn’t looking that far ahead - with his sole focus on a spot in Australia’s backline against Qatar.

“I’m just looking to get myself back involved in this squad,” said Moore, who is locked in a selection battle with Chris Coyne to partner skipper Lucas Neill.