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Langerak has impressed with German champions Borussia Dortmund. (Getty Images: Lars Baron)
He is tipped by some as the most likely to succeed Mark Schwarzer down the track for Australia but young gun Mitch Langerak is keeping his feet firmly on the ground ahead of a likely Socceroos debut.
The 22-year-old has emerged as one of Australia's brightest goalkeeping prospects after making an encouraging switch to German champions Borussia Dortmund from Melbourne Victory last season.
Langerak is vying with Adam Federici and Nathan Coe for game time in Sunday's friendly against New Zealand in Adelaide and Tuesday's clash with Serbia in Melbourne, in the rare absence of 38-year-old Schwarzer due to groin surgery.
And while some believe it could be the start of a bright international career, the down-to-earth shot stopper insists the race to replace the legendary Schwarzer, when he eventually calls time on his career, is wide open.
"It's only words, it doesn't mean anything," Langerak said of talk he could be Australia's next first-choice No.1.
"It still comes down to how I perform and things like that.
"Australia's got such good goalkeeping depth, it's going to be a big battle for the job between the sticks over the next five to ten years.
"It's a privilege to be here in the squad, it's not a given, and everyone's here on merit.
"Whoever plays will do a great job and hopefully I get the chance."
Langerak would appear likely to play at least 45 minutes against the All Whites on Sunday with Federici only joining the Australian camp late on Wednesday night after his English club Reading lost out in the promotion play-off to Swansea on Monday.
He acknowledged any game time in the friendly matches would provide an opportunity to enhance his credentials but played down the games as a showdown with Federici and Coe.
Langerak impressed on debut for Dortmund in a 3-1 win over powerhouse Bayern Munich and said he was willing to bide his time to get more first-team action in the coming campaign.
He earned a place in the squad for Australia's friendly win over Germany in March and said he was keeping in contact with Schwarzer.
"We exchange a few texts ... He told me I can give him a call, ask him questions, it's good to have his number if I need to," he said.
-AAP
Chat about this story w/ TalkitaSource: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/06/02/3234179.htm
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