Schwarzer Responds To Contract Discussion Talk

[White Noise]

http://www.foxsports.com.au/football/socceroos/schwarzers-uncertain-future/story-e6frf4l3-1225955031775


Mark Schwarzer hopes Asian Cup commitments won't hamper a dream move in January

From Tom Wald in Cairo, Egypt AAP November 17, 2010 2:35PM  

Mark Schwarzer remains hopeful of securing a move to a giant English club but says playing in January's Asian Cup in Qatar could damage his chances.

He is yet to commit to Fulham after the club failed to agree to English Premier League powerhouse Arsenal's offer during the transfer window in August.

The Gunners failed to put enough cash on the table to tempt Craven Cottage officials and Fulham boss Mark Hughes is trying to sign Schwarzer to a fresh deal.

The Australian says his club future is up in the air before the next transfer window in the New Year.

"My manager (Hughes) has expressed his desire for me to stay on at the club which I am flattered by and that will be discussed in the next couple of weeks," he said.

"What will happen ... who knows?"

One of the potential sticking points for a club signing Schwarzer in January is that Asian Cup commitments could rub him out for the entire month.

Losing a new signing for a month in the middle of the season is not exactly an attractive proposition for possible suitors.

"Of course it could (affect my chances of a transfer), of course it could," he said.

"That is part and parcel of it.

"I want to play as much as possible for Australia, and the Asian Cup, that is one single tournament in the month of January.

"If something were to arise, that is something that would have to be addressed at the time.

"The (Australian) manager is looking at picking the strongest possible team and if I am one of those players, then there is no question (I will play for Australia)."

After the bitter disappointment of missing out on a move to north London, the 38-year-old has been his consistent self for Fulham.

The Cottagers are 16th on the EPL ladder but only one win from the top half of the congested table.

The prospect of Champions League action is still proving a tease for Australia's goalkeeper from the past two World Cups.

"When you have a team playing Champions League football and competing for winning major honours that is something at this stage of my career that is difficult for me to turn my head away from," he said.

"The club (Fulham) have been fully understanding, the supporters have been unbelievable and it is something I thank them for."

At his age, Schwarzer was only ever going to be a short term option for the Gunners and the problem is his moment might have past.

Lukasz Fabianski, apart from this month's shocker against Newcastle, has become solid at the back for Arsenal, while 20-year-old Wojciech Szczesny is viewed as a quality long-term option.

While Schwarzer's club career is surrounded by uncertainty, his place in the national side is unchallenged.

He is closing in on Alex Tobin's record of 87 appearances for the Socceroos.

If he stays fit and Australia perform well at the Asian Cup, the former Middlesbrough man is on track to pass the milestone in the semi-finals of the competition in late January.

"To break a record like that would be very special but it is definitely not something that drives me to continue to play," he said.

"I just love playing and will continue as long as I warrant selection."

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Watch the Socceroos continue their Asian Cup preparations against Egypt live on Fox Sports 1 at 4am (EDT) on Thursday morning, November 18.

[LBNo11]

...as much as I think that Black Mark is one of the best goalkeepers I have ever seen at Fulham, and I appreciate what he has done for us, and respect him as a player when he was at Middlesbrough etc., I have got to a stage where I am switching off when I see this topic raised again and again.

I appreciate the importance of the issue, and I wish him well whatever he decides, but I can't wait for January for the issue to die a quick and natural death.

Now how is young Stockdale at the moment..?

[Jimpav]

That's a great avatar LB - very appropriate.

I watched Arsenals young Italian keeper playing for the Galacticas of the North last week and he had a very good game - much as he did when we played them at home last season.

If Schwarz does head North then I wouldn't be opposed to us having Mannone come our way - I would rather he be warming our bench than playing for Hull.

[Lighthouse]

He is not the Keeper he was and to be missing in January because of the Asia Cup means he is becoming less important to us. Go if you want to you, stay if you like. I really don't care anymore. This begins to be as dull as will Roy stay or go. Just make up your mind.

Although January and the Asia Cup thing means Hughes may well look for a Keeper anyway. I believe Stockdale is down to be injured in a freak accident that month.

[TonyGilroy]

I think he's been very good in the last few weeks and I'd give him a new 2 year contract if he'll sign even if he misses a month for the Asian Games.

If he won't commit though I'd be looking to replace in January and not relying on him for the rest of the season.

[Logicalman]

"When you have a team playing Champions League football and competing for winning major honours that is something at this stage of my career that is difficult for me to turn my head away from," he said.

Unfortunately they are as close to winning the CL as we are winning the Prem, we each compete for the competition each season, but winning it is something entirely different.

Please go Mark, and end any and all speculation.

[Burt]

He's world class and the best we've got and for that reason alone if we can keep him then great.

Loyalty (such as it is in this day and age) will always be tested when one of the big 4 comes knocking and you can't blame him for wanting one big move before the end of his career.

The main thing is that he remains committed to the cause with all this going on in the background. So far its not as if he's sulked, slagged off the club, or thrown matches.

[ToodlesMcToot]

...as much as I think that Black Mark is one of the best goalkeepers I have ever seen at Fulham, and I appreciate what he has done for us, and respect him as a player when he was at Middlesbrough etc., I have got to a stage where I am switching off when I see this topic raised again and again.

I appreciate the importance of the issue, and I wish him well whatever he decides, but I can't wait for January for the issue to die a quick and natural death.

Now how is young Stockdale at the moment..?

Hopefully we will find out in January. I believe that his play early in the season merits the chance to prove himself over an extended period. I've forgotten when Bobby is due back from injury, but hopefully we have a full compliment of players who can provide goals to allow Stockdale to be a goalkeeper rather than miracle worker as Mark has had to be from time to time when we've been short of scoring options.

[Jimpav]

That's a great avatar LB - very appropriate.

I watched Arsenals young Italian keeper playing for the Galacticas of the North last week and he had a very good game - much as he did when we played them at home last season.

If Schwarz does head North then I wouldn't be opposed to us having Mannone come our way - I would rather he be warming our bench than playing for Hull.

Apologies LB, I mean't emoticon not Avatar.

[Tom]

...as much as I think that Black Mark is one of the best goalkeepers I have ever seen at Fulham, and I appreciate what he has done for us, and respect him as a player when he was at Middlesbrough etc., I have got to a stage where I am switching off when I see this topic raised again and again.

I appreciate the importance of the issue, and I wish him well whatever he decides, but I can't wait for January for the issue to die a quick and natural death.

Now how is young Stockdale at the moment..?

Completely agree! I am so sick of this !!! Love the avatar and is perfect for this topic.   :tom: