Adelaide United coach Carl Veart has backed Joe Gauci to grow to be the Socceroos’ first-choice goalkeeper after the rising custodian declined abroad curiosity to increase his stick with the Reds by three extra years
Gauci, 22, debuted for the Socceroos final month towards Ecuador after being chosen within the squad following Danny Vukovic’s retirement from worldwide soccer.
And whereas Mat Ryan stays Australia’s most popular possibility between the posts, Veart tipped Gauci to finally seize the spot from the Socceroos skipper.
“Joe’s ceiling is very high and if he continues to have a positive work ethic and be disciplined in his approach to his football, there’s no reason he can’t be the Socceroos’ No.1,” Veart mentioned.
“Joe’s is an outstanding goalkeeper and we’re delighted to have him sign this contract extension.
“Since signing for Adelaide United, Joe has worked extremely hard and earned his spot as the club’s number one goalkeeper.”
Veart additionally paid tribute to the work of Adelaide’s goalkeeper coach, ex-Socceroos gloveman Eugene Galekovic.
“We’re a bit spoilt for alternative in that division, with quite a few high quality ‘keepers behind Joe, but each of them push one another to perform at their best and its testament to the work they do with Eugene,” the Reds coach said.
Gauci said he was “incredibly happy” to have signed a contract extension, and that the decision to remain with the second-placed Reds was a “no-brainer” despite interest from elsewhere, including overseas.
“You want to have those opportunities and be the one in control in making the decision,” Gauci said.
“When I put all of them side-by-side it was really a no-brainer for me that the best place for me to continue my football at this stage is in Adelaide to continue learning and developing because I’m nonetheless making errors. I’m nonetheless studying every week, (and) I’m nonetheless really feel like I’m creating as a footballer,
“I’m nonetheless comparatively younger when it comes to expertise, however … I’m formidable, I need to go abroad, I need to take my profession to the very best stage potential.
“I hope that may occur sooner or later, however I consider proper now, creating right here in Adelaide is essential.”
Gauci mentioned representing his hometown group was “always a huge honour”.
“Knowing I will be playing in front of friends and family for the next three years is amazing,” he mentioned.
“I’m proud to be a Red, but there’s still so much to play for, for the rest of the season.
“We’re in a really strong position on the ladder and, with just a few games left, we are aiming to solidify our spot in the top two and head into the finals with our best foot forward.
“From there, anything can happen and we’re determined to give it our all and do South Australia proud.”
Originally printed as Socceroos goalkeeper Joe Gauci need to proceed ‘developing’ with Adelaide United
Source: www.dailytelegraph.com.au
