Galekovic excited by Australia call

Adelaide United goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic believes he is in the best form of his career and hopes it translates onto the international stage.

The 31-year-old shot-stopper is part of Australia’s squad for the upcoming East Asian Cup qualifying tournament, which starts in Hong Kong on Saturday.

The Reds have conceded just five goals in eight matches and top the A-League ladder, prompting national coach Holger Osieck to reward Galekovic with the call-up.

“I think the last three or four years have probably been the best part of my career and hopefully I can keep going,” Galekovic said.

“Look at Mark Schwarzer, he’s 40 and he’s still playing some good football.”

Australia have always had a rich pool of goalkeeping talent and Galekovic knows that Schwarzer, who plays in the English Premier League for Fulham, remains the first choice.

“I think it’s great for the country,” Galekovic said.

“There are so many good ‘keepers out there, it just makes you work and push that little bit harder.”

Galekovic has the opportunity to push Schwarzer for that number one position, but feels a move overseas might be his best chance at claiming the jersey long-term.

“I still think if you’re in Europe, you’re a better chance because of the level,” he said.

“It does make it tough on goalkeepers back in Australia.”

“You want to play at the highest level possible, if that’s in Europe or Asia I’d have to have a look at it.”

Galekovic did have a short stint in Portugal for Beira-Mar back in 2004, but he spent most of his time there on the bench.

“It was the season between the National Soccer League and the A-League and there was no competition in Australia at the time, so it was good to find something in Portugal,” Galekovic said.

“It’s a good league and just training with the team and getting used to an overseas lifestyle probably helped me a little bit.”

Galekovic has one season left at Adelaide and will be hoping to attract some foreign interest during next month’s international tournament.