Kalac, in an interview with the Sydney Morning Herald, baited Schwarzer saying his success in recent times has been down to not having pressure on him by a quality number two at both Fulham and the Socceroos.

"It's typical Spider, isn't it?" said Schwarzer. "What can I say? I've got nothing to say. I've always said I don't speak about other people and other people's performances.

"I mean Zeljko makes a habit of making comments about other people's abilities and he also did mention he thought I was playing well so that was nice.

"But there's always a twist when Zeljko makes a comment. I don't want to get involved. I just want to concentrate on playing football and the best I possibly can for Australia and that's all that matters to me."

AC Milan's Kalac was for many years an understudy to Schwarzer before retiring in 2006. Since then, the former Boro glovesman has been the undisputed number one in the national team.

And there are concerns about finding a suitable successor to the 2005 World Cup qualifying hero.

Quizzed on his future and Schwarzer did not rule out continuing at either club or country level saying his 36-year-old body felt good and he was continuing to "live the dream".

"I hope I can continue to get better. I always look to improve. But I'm going to take it as it comes.

 "I've no desire to retire at the moment. I'm still fit I feel very well and I feel really refreshed coming here to Fulham.

"I'm really enjoying playing football again. For me, I just want to keep playing."