Seasoned Australian goalkeeper eager to see young keepers shine

Adelaide's James Delianov and Melbourne City's Tom Glover have secured their spot as number one goalie in the senior team.

The 21-year-old Delianov, featured in the opening fixture against Western United while at Western Sydney, Daniel Margush will get his first stretches in the goal, upheld by 19-year-old loanee Noah James. 

"There's a lot of good young goalkeepers in the league that have been struggling for game time in previous years," Birighitti said.

"Young James Delianov - perfect example - I worked with him at Melbourne City.

"He's got an opportunity now at Adelaide United and he was fantastic in his game the other night.

"(He had) big shoes to fill obviously after Paul Izzo leaving."

Birighitti admired Glover's performance at City and said Margush had a great chance following Daniel Lopar's takeoff from the Wanderers. 

"It's good to see these young keepers getting a run and showcasing what they've got and it will be an exciting time for the young goalkeepers this year," he said.

"They've been given an opportunity and now it's up to them now to take it and move on with it."

The

has been one the good places to dig out capable goalkeepers, with Mat Ryan and Mitch Langerak joining clubs overseas due to their great forms. 

Birighitti was also moved from Newcastle Jets to

Swansea City

and later had a stretch at Dutch club NAC Breda and doesn't preclude a future re-visitation of Europe.

"Of course I'd like to go back to Europe at some stage but my main objective, my main goal this year is to have a really good year with the Mariners," he said.

"I'm happy here, but I'm still young ... I'll be 30 in April.

"I don't want to set long-term goals. My main goal at the moment is to focus week in, week out and perform as best I can and help the team as much as I can and if I can do that the rest will take care of itself."

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