Listen to the full interview above via the podcast

Asmir Begovic is considered to be one of the most consistent goalkeepers in the Premier League.

Around the mid-way point of last season, the Stoke City goalkeeper had the best saves-to-shot ration in the Premier League. 

But the Bosnia and Herzegovina international has greater challenges ahead of him this summer and tonight he spoke to Ger about going to his first World Cup with the likes of Edin Dzeko and Miralem Pjanic.

The 26-year-old's country have been drawn against Nigeria, Iran...and the mighty Argentina in their opener at this summer's showpiece.

But Begovic is relishing the challenge of trying to stop Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero beating him.

"It's what dreams are made of. To be going to a first major tournament and playing Argentina in the first game in Rio de Janeiro's Maracana is pretty special and an occasion everyone is looking forward to. It's an occasion we want to make the most of. We want to go there and have fun and get better from the experience because we want to keep pushing on as a team and a nation."

Begovic was born in Bosnia but spent most of his childhood in Germany and Canada.

Returning to his country of birth for his grandfather's funeral spurred his decision to declare for Bosnia, but he had always envisioned representing the former Yugoslav republic.

Bosnia goalkeeper Asmir Begovic and Glenn Whelan of Ireland in 2012 ©INPHO/James Crombie

"It was always in my mind to play for Bosnia. The majority of my family live in Bosnia and even though I grew up in Canada - I became a little bit of a Canadian of course and had citizenship - but I've always felt Bosnian at heart. Going back for my grandfather's funeral and seeing family members, who I hadn't seen for a quite a while, made up my mind," he said. 

Still only 26, Begovic has been at Stoke since 2010, following a a seven year spell at Portsmouth and a number of loan deals in the English lower leagues.

Linked with bigger clubs in recent years, he does not regret his career path thus far and believes regular game-time is vital for young players.

"It was a huge part of my development to go on loan to play the games and understand the games a bit better and keep progressing. I would recommend it to any youngster and it should be something every goalkeeper goes through. At that age, all you should be worried about is playing games and putting yourself in the spotlight," said Begovic.

Asmir Begovic took on John Ruddy in the Plants vs. GOALIES shootout challenge. To see who won, check out the video below. Plants vs. Zombies Garden Warfare is OUT NOW on Xbox One and Xbox 360