Federici stakes claim for number one jersey

Adam Federici wants the number one shirt for Australia’s friendlies against New Zealand and Serbia after claiming that he is next in line for replace Mark Schwarzer.

With Schwarzer injured, Federici believes he should be leading the queue to replace the Socceroos’ stalwart between the sticks, having played over 90 matches in the past two seasons for Reading in the English Championship.

Australia face New Zealand in Adelaide on Sunday before taking on Serbia in Melbourne on Tuesday.

Asked if he was Australia’s new keeper in waiting, Federici said: “I don’t see why not. I’ve been very consistent. I’ve played particularly well every time I’ve played for Australia.”

“If it was up to me I’d like to play both games but if they give me a rest (on Sunday against New Zealand) I’ll be looking forward to Tuesday (against Serbia in Melbourne).”

Federici, who was part of Reading’s team who lost 4-2 to Swansea at Wembley Stadium in a Premier League promotion playoff, said the bad taste in his mouth left by that loss will be washed away when he pulls on the green and gold this week.

“Four goals at Wembley wasn’t fantastic,” he said. “But taking the positives out of it, it was a great experience for myself. A hard one to take, obviously, but I’m looking forward to the future.”

“It does help going straight back into things … I’m still trying to get over it.”

The 26-year-old said that the while the other glovemen in the Socceroos squad – up-and-comers Nathan Coe and Mitch Langerak – are promising, they will have to bide their time to overtake him in the pecking order.

“They’re good young goalkeepers. They obviously need to play a bit more but they’re a great prospect for the future,” he said.

When 38-year-old Schwarzer eventually decides to hang up his gloves, Federici hopes to become the Socceroos’ next custodian.

“If I take over from Mark that’ll be fantastic but he wants to play for the next 10 years or so,” he laughed.

“It is frustrating but that’s the thing you’ve got to say to yourself – he’s a top goalkeeper and a great ambassador for Australian football.”

“There’s not much I can do except keep performing well every time I get an opportunity and keep playing well for my club.”