Mark Schwarzer will enjoy his time with Australia at this month's Asian Cup but admitted the timing, midway through Fulham's season, is not ideal. Should the Socceroos reach the final of the tournament that would mean Schwarzer will miss four Premier League games.
The stopper admits he was left torn between leaving his club behind in a difficult situation whilst also wanting to achieve success with his country.
The 38-year-old said: "It is never ideal at this time of year to be missing Premier League games, especially with Fulham in the precarious situation they are in.
"In an ideal world I would like to have stayed but also play in this tournament. I want to be in two places at once.
'It would have been great if there was a window we could play this tournament in but unfortunately that is not the case. I have been here in the summer; it is not pleasant and not easy to play in so this is the logical time to play it and unfortunately it clashes with club football."
"It has not happened before for us Australian players," he added.
"It is the first time that we as players have missed out on club football due to an international tournament, but overall I think our clubs are okay with the situation."
