Sallinger hopes for World Cup opportunity with Austria

Hibs goalkeeper Raphael Sallinger is hopeful of forcing his way into the Austria squad before next summer's World Cup.

The 29-year-old, signed in June from Austrian Bundesliga side TSV Hartberg, has kept four clean sheets so far in the Scottish Premiership as the Hibees sit third in the table.

Sallinger played once for Austria Under-20s but is yet to receive a call up to the senior side.

"It should be every player's ambition to be in the national team," he said.

"I'm very happy for my country and for the Austrian national team that they have qualified for the World Cup.

"I want to just try the best I can. Maybe they're going to have a look at Scotland, maybe they give me a chance.

"But I think it's on me, I want to make the best performances I can and then let's see what happens.

"A lot of players are playing for international teams. It would be good if this happens to me as well. It was always a target for me to play in an international team and if it happens, it happens."

As Hibs prepare to face Celtic at Easter Road on Sunday, Sallinger isn't putting any more pressure on the game despite the potential increased recognition it could receive from the Austria national team set up.

"For me no, because I have to do the best I can in every game," he said. "But maybe for them it's more publicity and everything, it's on TV.

"I don't know, but the league doesn't get decided in one game, so there are a couple of games to play. I just want to make sure that I'm performing well in every game."