One of a host of Australian goalkeepers who are vying to take the No1 jersey from Mark Schwarzer when the veteran eventually hangs up his gloves. A commanding presence in the penalty area, the 25-year-old Federici has enjoyed a breakthrough season with English Championship club Reading. Federici played throughout the season as the team’s first choice goalkeeper following the departure of Marcus Hahnemann.

Born to Italian parents, Federici grew up away from the traditional talent pathways on the New South Wales south coast. He tried his luck in England at 17 landing a contract at Reading in 2004. Numerous loan spells followed with infrequent appearances for Reading before the success of the last 12 months. Though the club have struggled at times in the league during the season, Federici came to national prominence as Reading embarked on an impressive FA Cup run resulting in the shotstopper being linked with Liverpool.

At international level Federici played two matches at the FIFA U-20 World Cup Netherlands 2005 and was also selected to play for Australia at the 2008 Beijing Olympic, producing a number of fine saves throughout Australia’s three matches. Federici’s first call up to the Socceroo squad was a home friendly against Uruguay in mid-2007 and he has been involved in a number of subsequent squads.