In the mix to make a long-awaited debut for the Socceroos, Melbourne Victory’s Michael Theoklitos believes there’s nothing at all separating the three goalkeepers named in Pim Verbeek’s 21-man squad to tackle Indonesia in next Wednesday’s AFC Asian Cup tie in Jakarta.
In the mix to make a long-awaited debut for the Socceroos, Melbourne Victory’s Michael Theoklitos believes there’s nothing at all separating the three goalkeepers named in Pim Verbeek’s 21-man squad to tackle Indonesia in next Wednesday’s AFC Asian Cup tie in Jakarta.
The 27-year-old feels honoured and privileged by his selection and regards it as an acknowledgement of his sustained good form for the Victory.
“Over the four years of the Hyundai A-League I like to think I’ve been fairly consistent and I’ve been rewarded for my hard work and efforts over those four years,” Theoklitos told melbournevictory.com.au.
But being selected for the squad is one thing and getting a start is another.
Neither of Theoklitos’ rivals, Adelaide’s Eugene Galekovic and Central Coast Mariners’ Danny Vukovic, has senior international experience, so in that sense, they’re all on a par.
Galekovic won praise from Verbeek, however, for his good work between the posts during Adelaide’s recent Asian Champions League campaign and Vukovic has Olyroos experience.
So where does Theoklitos believe he stands in the pecking order?
“I’m not too sure,” he said.
“Obviously we’ll go down in camp and Pim will have a good look at us and he’ll select who’ll keep goals and I’m sure they’ll serve their country well.”
“We’re fairly even goalkeepers but Pim and (goalkeeping coach) Tony Franken will have a close look at us in camp and they’ll select who they’ll go with.”
“It’s a privilege to make the camp, but it’s about working hard and showing what I’m capable of and hopefully getting the nod.”
The competition for the job is so tight that Theoklitos believes it may come down to who can make the most positive impression in camp and who can demonstrate to the coach that he wants it most.
“That’s what it’s about, getting in there and working hard,” Theoklitos said.
“Then he can see us first-hand at training and obviously he’ll gather his thoughts from there and pick the 11 that starts against Indonesia.”
“It’s going to be tough, it’s not an easy task going to Indonesia, it’s very humid there but I’m sure the boys are capable of getting a positive result.”
