COACH Holger Osieck has admitted to an ulterior motive in leaving promising goalkeeper Adam Federici out of the Socceroos' squad for the AFC Asian Cup in Qatar next month.
Federici was a surprise omission from Osieck's 23-man squad for the tournament, despite a strong showing and a penalty save in Australia's 2-1 friendly victory over Poland in September.
Instead, Sonderjysk stopper Nathan Coe and Liverpool backup Brad Jones were named behind Fulham keeper Mark Schwarzer on Tuesday.
But the coach justified leaving Federici behind by hinting that the Reading stopper could be in line for a transfer in the January window.
"A No.2 (goalkeeper) is always a very difficult role," Osieck said from Zurich on Tuesday evening.
"It's always a very delicate issue with goalkeepers. I mean, undoubtedly, Mark Schwarzer is the No.1.
"(Federici) is now in negotiations with his club for a renewal of his contract and he just would like to get the opportunity to play with the club to boost his chances for a new signing, maybe even for a new transfer, and I understood that and therefore I didn't include him."
Federici has been earning rave reviews for his goalkeeping since becoming the No.1 at Reading, and is reportedly being monitored by a number of Premier League clubs.
The 25-year-old has indicated his preference would be to see Reading promoted from the Championship this season.
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