Fit Schwarzer plans on playing into 40s

Star Socceroos keeper Mark Schwarzer has his sights set on the 2014 World Cup, signalling his intention to play well into his 40s.

The 38-year-old from Sydney who shields the net for Fulham in the English Premier League told News Of The World that an intensive diet and exercise program has improved his condition in recent years.

"In the back of my mind I'm looking at the 2014 World Cup - I'll be 41," Schwarzer said in an interview published in Britain on Sunday.

"Players like (Manchester United's) Edwin van der Sar have shown that at 40 you can still play at the top level. I've got no immediate plans to retire at all."

Schwarzer was in goal for the Socceroos' 2-1 victory over Germany in a friendly last week, following on from his Asia Cup representation earlier in the year.

"People in my boat always say that they feel like they're 21 years old. That's obviously not the case but I don't get out of bed feeling sore," Schwarzer said.

"In fact, I feel better after games now than throughout my career.

"I'm in the gym four times a week. I do a lot of weight training, conditioning and strengthening work.

"I've changed what I eat and when I eat it. It's not rocket science. I don't eat carbohydrates too late and have added more protein and vegetables to my diet."

Schwarzer's Fulham team are favourites to win Sunday's middle-of-the-table clash with Blackpool at Craven Cottage.