The form of evergreen ex-Socceroo shot-stopper Mark Schwarzer is proving an inspiration to Eugene Galekovic to keep his World Cup dream alive.
The Adelaide United gloveman took out the Hyundai A-League's Goalkeeper of the Year award and is one of a host of options between the sticks for Ange Postecoglou's squad for Brazil.
Galekovic was part of the 2010 World Cup travelling party and saw first-hand just how hard Schwarzer worked to be at the top of his game.
Schwarzer, who retired from international football last year, has enjoyed resurgence in form with English Premier League club Chelsea and Galekovic admits he's taken note.
"Just the way he goes about playing and his off-field discipline, it's a credit to him to keep playing," Galekovic said of Schwarzer.
"He puts a lot into the game and probably not many people see what he puts in away from the pitch; they only see what he does on the pitch.
"He's in his early 40s and he's still playing and doing well...he's a true professional.
"The older you get it's those little things you have to worry about and I've changed my game a lot of the pitch as well you have to prepare a little differently than you do when you're in your 20s.”
With Postecoglou naming a preliminary 30-man squad in mid May, Galekovic is hopeful his form with Adelaide this season is enough to have him in the frame for selection.
The 32-year-old kept eight clean sheets for the Reds and believes his game has improved under the new style of play under coach Josep Gombau.
"Previously I've had to make a lot of saves but now we keep a lot of possession so I don't have to make as many saves but I play with my feet a lot more," Galekovic said.
"We're playing a high line and I'm more like a sweeper-keeper so it's a challenge for me but I'm enjoying it.
"The benefit is the way we play at Adelaide is a similar way to what Ange likes to play.
"That's probably helped me a little bit but in saying that there's a lot of good goalkeepers overseas and in the A-League...there's a lot of options."
Two of those options are Club Brugge’s Mat Ryan and Borussia Dortmund's Mitch Langerak, who are likely to grab two spot despite their young age.
Asked if his experience could be used to help mentor the youngster, Galekovic said: "If Ange thinks that way I certainly think I can give my experience and support the cause.
"I'm hoping to be in the squad, you always want to play for your country and it would be a great honour to go to another World Cup.
"I'm keeping myself in the best possible shape to give myself a chance.
"I can only do what I can do on the park and hopefully he chooses me."