Aston Villa player may not start ‘Blockbuster’ Tuesday showdown as Joe Gauci speaks out
Joe Gauci is unsure whether he will start for Australia against Japan after the Aston Villa goalkeeper impressed in goal in the 3-1 win over China.
Gauci pipped Roma and former Brighton & Hove Albion shot-stopper Mat Ryan for a starting berth in between the sticks on 10 October as the Socceroos got their first win in the Third Round of the World Cup Qualifiers at the Adelaide Oval.
However, despite Gauci’s solid display, speaking via The West Australian, the 24-year-old has ruled out being one of the guaranteed names on the team sheet as Tony Papovic’s side gets ready to face Japan on Tuesday [15 October].
“Just because I played on Thursday doesn’t mean I’m necessarily guaranteed to play on Tuesday.
“I’m fully aware of that. I need to be applying myself and working hard every day in training to best prepare for the game, and at the end of the day, the boss will make a decision on who he thinks is best for the role.”
The Villa goalkeeper added, “The boss works in the way that everyone is prepared to play the game and everyone should have that mentality of they’re going to be starting, and we’ll find out the night before or even the morning of the game the starting XI.
“He keeps everyone in the best mindset that they’re mentally and physically preparing to play the game and that way they’re ready to step on the field.”
Joe Gauci a valuable asset for Aston Villa
Villa are blessed to have one of the best goalkeepers in the game at their disposal in Emiliano Martinez, with the World Cup winner proving pivotal for the Villans again this season.
Since the 32-year-old’s move to Villa from Arsenal in 2020, the Argentina international has not looked back and cemented his legacy in football.
Unai Emery is also blessed to have another experienced shot-stopper in Robin Olsen, however, it is safe to assume that the Sweden international’s best days are behind him.
Villa’s management seems to have faith in Gauci to provide cover for Martinez, with the 24-year-old making his full debut for the club against Wycombe Wanderers in the EFL Cup earlier in the campaign.
With game time being a luxury for the Australian at Villa, it is encouraging to see him play regularly for the Socceroos and stay match-fit in case the Villans need to call upon him in the long season ahead.
In other Aston Villa news, a Jhon Duran release clause update has been revealed after new terms have been agreed.
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