So Langerak packed up and headed north to Copenhagen to join up with the national squad for the first time in almost a year. And with the World Cup campaign hotting up, he knows he must seize every opportunity that comes his way.

''I was on holidays, but I was quick to say yes,'' he said. ''First things first. I got myself organised, got on a plane and got myself here … I knew I had to go as soon as I got the call. It's unfortunate for the holiday, but it's fantastic to get the call into the squad.''

Many regard Langerak as the best candidate to succeed Schwarzer, who, though pushing 40, has declared his ambition to play in a third World Cup in Brazil. Langerak has time on his side and the advantage of playing and training in a high-quality atmosphere at Dortmund, who have won two Bundesliga titles in the two years he has been there. Although he is the No.2, Langerak is content to bide his time, play the games he is given and learn.

His debut came in a Dortmund win over Bayern Munich last year as both clubs were chasing the league title, and the youngster showed composure and technique in equal measure.

He seems to save his best for the Munich club, as he starred against them again earlier this month in the German cup final when he came off the bench after half an hour. Dortmund ran out 5-2 winners against the aristocrats of the German game.