Despite being picked as a stand-by for the Australian national team for the World Cup, goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic says he is happy just to be a part of it.
The 28-year old was selected in Pim Verbeek's preliminary squad of 31, which will be cut down to 23 by June 1, and although it seems unlikely he will be in the final squad, Galekovic was looking forward to experiencing what a World Cup has to offer, even if it is from the perimeter.
"Obviously it would have been nice to be one of the three goalkeepers, but in the end it will just be good to be a part of it, to travel with the group and be involved, and I'll just need to make sure I'm ready if I'm called upon," Galekovic said.
"It's a privilege to be included in the top four goalkeepers for Australia and it's always an honour to put on an Australian jersey and just be part of it."
Galekovic feels he has come a long way since the last World Cup when he was finding his way in the A-League with the Melbourne Victory, admitting he did not think he would be in with a chance to go along to South Africa in 2010.
"Not at all," Galekovic said.
"I think I had just signed with Melbourne Victory and at that time you think not many A-League players will have a chance, but Adelaide United had that opportunity to play in the ACL and after that I knew I was a little chance.
"Thinking about it right now, it's amazing."
