Real handful: Australian Joeys keeper Robert Kolac is lookinf forward to the Asian Cuo in October. A successful tourament campaign may ensure Australia's position at the 2009 Junior World Cup.   Picture: Gene Ramirez

By MICHAEL CHAMMAS

AUSTRALIAN Joeys under 17s goalkeeper Robert Kolak flew out on Thursday to pursue a contract with Italian Serie A heavyweights Juventus.

The 191-centimetre Edensor Park giant is training alongside one of the world's best goalkeepers, Gianluigi Buffon, hoping to impress European selectors during his two-week trial with the famous club.

"I am really nervous because this is my dream, it is what I have always
worked towards," Kolak said before leaving.

"I want to learn and take as much as I can from Buffon and the whole
experience in general."

The former Sydney United star has been hailed as the next Zeljko Kalac because of his towering stature, and is fortunate enough to be working with Kalac's former coach Ron Corry.Corry is no stranger to Australian goalkeepers, having a strong influence on the development of former Socceroo Mark Bosnich and now taking Kolak under his wing.

"Ron Corry has been a huge influence on my career so far," Kolak said. "He has really helped me improve to become like my idol Oliver Khan."

The pair have worked together for almost four years, developing all aspects of his game.

"He is a great keeper with a lot of potential, that's for sure," Corry said.

"There is no reason why he can't follow in the same footsteps [as Kalac]."

Kolak left Fairfield Patrician Brothers at the end of last year, starting year 11 at Westfields Sports High School earlier this year, the same school that produced Socceroo stars Harry Kewell, Jason Culina and David Carney.

With thanks

30th April 2008