Australia boss Holger Osieck insists Mark Schwarzer is still his number one goalkeeper.
The 41-year old veteran, now with Chelsea, was omitted from the Socceroos squad for upcoming friendlies with France and Canada but Osieck has made it clear the former Fulham man is only missing to give Mitch Langerak and Mat Ryan an opportunity.
"I know what he can do. He's our number one goalkeeper," Osieck said.
"But if I keep playing him, what about the others we may need?
"I had a long chat with (Schwarzer). I explained the situation, he accepted it because he's a good professional.
"Right now he's still number one."
However, Osieck said it was vital that Schwarzer be given some game time with Chelsea in order to keep himself sharp.
"He needs to have game practice. The more games he can play the better it is for him and for us," he added.
