Mitchell Langerak not guaranteed Melbourne Victory spot upon return

Decorated goalkeeper Mitchell Langerak has touched down in Melbourne, but Victory interim coach Arthur Diles says the position is incumbent Jack Duncan’s to lose as he prepares for a selection headache.

Langerak, 36, joined his teammates for the first time on Friday as he builds towards an A-League comeback when the transfer window opens on January 16.

The former Socceroos’ return for Victory will complete a full-circle moment in his career after he signed his first professional contract to play for the Melbourne club in 2007.

Langerak starred for Japanese club Nagoya Grampus over the last six years and such was his impact that he was sent off in a special farewell ceremony by the club’s fans in October.

But Diles, who took charge a fortnight ago following Patrick Kisnorbo’s shock defection overseas, said it would be difficult to leave out Duncan after the former Wellington Phoenix backup gloveman’s brilliant start to the season.

Duncan was the hero as he saved a powerful header with his face to deny Auckland its best chance and secure an important away point on New Year’s Day.

He was set to again be crucial as Victory eyed their first win under Diles against seventh-placed Western Sydney Wanderers at AAMI Park on Saturday.

“Jack’s been excellent. Jack was brought here to be number one, and he’s done that,” Diles said.

“His form, not just the other day (against Auckland), but throughout the whole season has been great … that’s Jack’s position at the moment, and no one’s surprised by that.”

Diles was buoyed though by how he thought Langerak would “strengthen” the club culturally, even if he did not immediately play.

“Not only is (Langerak) a great footballer, but above all, he’s also a great human being and that adds value to the group,” Diles said.

“He fits that (culture) and he’s also here to strengthen that culture and strengthen that group. So it’s pleasing for everyone involved at the club.

“For him, it’s like everybody else – it’s competition for places, and that’s a good position to be in as a club.”

Diles said it would reflect more on his players rather than himself if Victory could secure a first win under his leadership against the Wanderers.

“These last three weeks, they’ve had to deal with a lot and overcome a lot,” he said.

“The travel situation … the opponents that we’re playing – unfortunately or fortunately, when you’re at Melbourne Victory it’s almost 26 derbies in a season, so you’ve got to be ready for that.”