Patrick Kisnorbo can't wait for brilliant goalkeeper Mitch Langerak to arrive at Melbourne Victory - but he won't be guaranteeing him a start.
Langerak will return in January to the club that launched his professional career in 2007.
His breakthrough at Victory ultimately led to a long and successful career in Germany with Borussia Dortmund, where he played under Jurgen Klopp, and Stuttgart, then the J1 League with Nagoya Grampus.
Only Maty Ryan's long-standing grip on the Socceroos No.1 jersey stopped Langerak - who was contentiously left out of Graham Arnold's 2022 World Cup squad - having a more prolific international career than his eight caps
Former Socceroos defender Kisnorbo 43, and Langerak, 36, didn't cross paths as players, with the Victory coach joking he'd just "watched him on TV like a like a fan".
"Exciting times for everybody," Kisnorbo said.
"You have a guy that started his career here. How great he's probably gonna hopefully end it here.
"How great to have someone of his ability, not just for us as coaches, but as for players and goalkeepers as well.
"So look, it's great. We can't wait til he comes - the last J League game is this week.
"We can't wait to have him. He's a great man, great person to have around the club and we're excited he's coming."
Journeyman Jack Duncan, 31, has been Victory's first-choice goalkeeper, after Paul Izzo departed for Denmark's Randers at the end of last season.
Duncan has generally performed well and Kisnorbo made it clear that dropping him to the bench for Langerak wasn't a formality.
To be honest with you, Mitch is the one that's coming in, and I've told him that 'if Jack is playing well, then you're just gonna have to wait for your opportunity'," Kisnorbo said.
"And again, it's not about names, and I've always been honest and open, but Jack's been doing well, so he gets rewarded for his performances.
"What happens after that when Mitch comes? We'll deal with it then. But at the moment, Jack is our number one, and then we have to wait and see what will happen. But at the moment, he's been doing great.
"And if Jack is in the whole season, he's in the whole season.
"We know how great Mitch is, but I'm not going to change, just to change because of an individual who's played at a great level, who's had a great career - because the team is doing well."
Victory return to action against struggling Perth Glory at AAMI Park on Sunday.
