Ante Covic has the unenviable task of trying to oust a national hero from the Socceroos line up but he likes to think that his own efforts are playing a part in maintaining Schwarzer’s impeccable standards for his country.

While the Middlesbrough custodian is already secure of his place in sporting history for his penalty-saving heroics against Uruguay in November 2005, his recent stop against China was another pleasant addition to the Schwarzer files.
It makes the job of trying to take his place a daunting challenge for any goalkeeper but Newcastle Jets keeper Covic is up for the fight.

And even if he is unable to dislodge Schwarzer in the short-term, Covic still believes he is playing an important role in keeping the current number one sharp.

The Jets keeper told au.fourfourtwo.com: “It hasn’t been the easiest. I’ve been involved in a lot of games over the last few years and most of them have been on the bench.

“It’s been a little bit frustrating at times but I know I’m in there, I know I’m within sniffing range of getting out there.

“Mark Schwarzer’s doing a great job and he’s a great keeper. I’ve just got to bide my time and keep working hard.

“If called upon I believe in myself, not being cocky in any way, but I believe in myself that I have the quality to help the team out.”

And Covic believes there are benefits all round when you have two hungry goalkeepers training hard and competing for the one slot available.

He said: “As a goalkeeper, you always have an understudy that wants your job. If you start relaxing that’s when mistakes creep in. I think it helps keep both keepers on their toes.”

While Covic will work hard to try and oust Schwarzer he is happy to acknowledge and take on board some of the attributes that make him such an effective keeper, especially when it comes to shoot-out drama.

He said: “In football today, if you decide too early as a keeper to go one way then they just slot it in the other corner. Mark and I both try and wait as late as possible. Try and make him (the penalty taker) make the decision. That’s the way to go I believe.”