Aston Villa goalkeeper eyeing opportunities ahead of possible summer shake-up

The Australia international has been the club’s third-choice keeper since joining from Adelaide United 18 months ago but could move up the pecking order with Robin Olsen leaving for Malmo.

Ongoing speculation, meanwhile, surrounds the future of Villa No.1 Emi Martinez, who is a target for clubs in Europe and Saudi Arabia.

Gauci, currently away with Australia at a training camp in Abu Dhabi ahead of next month’s World Cup qualifiers, is focused on taking whatever opportunities might come his way.

"I'll go back and start pre-season at Villa and put my best foot forward and work hard and continue to develop," Gauci said.

"When it comes to my future and next season, I'm an Aston Villa player, and my main focus is to play for Aston Villa, whether that's next season or the years that follow.

"There's a lot of speculation in football, so that's out of my control. I guess there's no point worrying about ifs and buts, he (Martinez) is contracted.

"If he was to leave they'll probably look at bringing in other goalkeepers and Robin Olsen's time at the club is coming to an end. There's opportunities … and it's up to me to take them."

Villa have been tracking Espanyol keeper Joan Garcia, while Lille’s Lucas Chevalier is another target should Martinez depart.

Gauci, who made his Villa debut in last September’s Carabao Cup win at Wycombe, is now fully recovered from the hip injury which hindered a loan spell at League One Barnsley over the second half of the season.

He said: “I feel that physically, I'm probably in the best spot I've ever been in my career. 

“It was really pleasing to be rewarded to go back and finish the season with the final three games of the season at Barnsley, and to show the improvements that I've made.”