Socceroos goalkeeper Joe Gauci want to continue ‘developing’ with Adelaide United

Having debuted for the Socceroos last month, goalkeeper Joe Gauci had the chance to move to an overseas club but decided to instead stay in the A-League.

Socceroos goalkeeper Joe Gauci has extended his stay at Adelaide United. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

Adelaide United coach Carl Veart has backed Joe Gauci to become the Socceroos’ first-choice goalkeeper after the emerging custodian declined overseas interest to extend his stay with the Reds by three more years

Gauci, 22, debuted for the Socceroos last month against Ecuador after being chosen in the squad following Danny Vukovic’s retirement from international football.

And while Mat Ryan remains Australia’s preferred option between the posts, Veart tipped Gauci to eventually grab the spot from the Socceroos skipper.

“Joe’s ceiling is very high and if he continues to have a positive work ethic and be disciplined in his approach to his football, there’s no reason he can’t be the Socceroos’ No.1,” Veart said.

“Joe’s is an outstanding goalkeeper and we’re delighted to have him sign this contract extension.

“Since signing for Adelaide United, Joe has worked extremely hard and earned his spot as the club’s number one goalkeeper.”

Veart also paid tribute to the work of Adelaide’s goalkeeper coach, ex-Socceroos gloveman Eugene Galekovic.

“We’re a bit spoilt for choice in that department, with a number of quality ‘keepers behind Joe, but each of them push one another to perform at their best and its testament to the work they do with Eugene,” the Reds coach said.

Joe Gauci has signed a three-year contract extension with Adelaide United. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

Gauci said he was “incredibly happy” to have signed a contract extension, and that the decision to remain with the second-placed Reds was a “no-brainer” despite interest from elsewhere, including overseas.

“You want to have those opportunities and be the one in control in making the decision,” Gauci said.

“When I put all of them side-by-side it was really a no-brainer for me that the best place for me to continue my football at this stage is in Adelaide to continue learning and developing because I’m still making mistakes. I’m still learning each week, (and) I’m still feel like I’m developing as a footballer,

“I’m still relatively young in terms of experience, but ... I’m ambitious, I want to go overseas, I want to take my career to the highest level possible.

“I hope that can happen in the future, but I believe right now, developing here in Adelaide is key.”

Gauci said representing his hometown team was “always a huge honour”.

“Knowing I will be playing in front of friends and family for the next three years is amazing,” he said.

“I’m proud to be a Red, but there’s still so much to play for, for the rest of the season.

“We’re in a really strong position on the ladder and, with just a few games left, we are aiming to solidify our spot in the top two and head into the finals with our best foot forward.

“From there, anything can happen and we’re determined to give it our all and do South Australia proud.”

Originally published as Socceroos goalkeeper Joe Gauci want to continue ‘developing’ with Adelaide United