Adelaide United’s third-choice goalkeeper Daniel Margush chance to return to A-League

LAST week began like any other for Adelaide United’s third-choice goalkeeper Daniel Margush but ended with a dream debut.

20/01/2016 Adelaide United - National Youth League team in then grand final against Sydney goal keeper Daniel Margush could be playing A league or the grand final. Pic Mark Brake

LAST week began like any other for Adelaide United’s third-choice goalkeeper Daniel Margush.

But by Saturday night the 18-year-old had made his A-League debut and played a vital role in extending the Reds’ surge towards a finals appearance.

“It was just another week with no thoughts about playing (first team) on the weekend,” says Margush.

“But once Hally (No. 2 keeper John Hall) was called up for the Olyroos (Australian under-23 side), I was in contention to be on the bench.

“Then after training Eugene (Galekovic) pulled up with a groin injury and I was told I might be playing on Saturday.”

Margush grabbed the opportunity with both gloves.

He was composed throughout the 3-1 victory over Central Coast Mariners, standing tall as ex-Red Fabio Ferreira blasted a first half penalty over the bar.

The 186cm custodian’s best moment came late on when he tipped Francesco Stella’s powerful strike around the post at full stretch to maintain United’s lead.

“When I was 10 years old sitting in the stands you hoped that one day you could play here,” the former Raiders junior says.

“So to finally walk out on the pitch and hear your name getting called out was surreal.

“I didn’t have much to do until I made that save, so it was really important for me to keep my concentration for that whole period of time.

“Saves like that can boost the confidence of your players when they have a young goalkeeper in goals because they know they can trust you.”

Despite impressing, Margush’s involvement this weekend remains up in the air.

With Galekovic still under an injury cloud, the former state junior is a chance to fly to Brisbane for Friday night’s A-League clash with the Roar.

If the Reds’ skipper passes a late fitness test, Margush will likely travel to Gosford to play for United against Sydney in the National Youth League grand final.

Regardless, the Young Socceroo hopes to continue his development under Adelaide goalkeeper coach Peter Blazincic.

The ex-West Adelaide star has overseen Galekovic’s progression to the Socceroos and nurtured young talents Hall, Mark Birighitti (Newcastle Jets) and Paul Izzo (Central Coast).

“I don’t want to look into this one match too much because if you play badly next week everyone will forget about this performance,” Margush says.

“That’s the way it is for goalkeepers.”

Originally published as Adelaide United’s third-choice goalkeeper Daniel Margush chance to return to A-League