RE-SIGNED Red Tarek Elrich rates Adelaide’s small town serenity the secret to securing a blockbuster 2018 World Cup passage to Russia.

Escaping Sydney’s hectic pace for the city of churches allowed a renewal and focus that’s bankrolled career-best form and consistent presence in Ange Postecoglou’s World Cup squads.

“Coming here people said my career was finished but I found that spark and love for the game,” said Elrich, now at Coopers Stadium until the end of season 2017-18.

‘The Adelaide lifestyle is amazing, it lets you focus on your football more than the bigger cities.

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“I am buzzing that the club has rewarded me for hard work. Hopefully I can repay the club and win an A-League grand final.”

Elrich loves the camaraderie at United and attacking football philosophy that Barcelona legend Guillermo Amor continues from predecessor Josep Gombau.

“I’ve really been enjoying my time here in Adelaide and to have the security of my club football with United leading into a World Cup is massive,” said Elrich, with 196 games for Newcastle Jets, the Wanderers and United since inaugural A-League season in 2005-06.

“Now I can do everything to focus on the next World Cup in three years.”

Elrich and Reds skipper Eugene Galekovic will land back from the Socceroos World Cup qualifier against Jordan in Amman just as United’s October 9 season opener against Melbourne Victory kicks off at Adelaide Oval.

Elrich is ‘hurting deep down’ at missing another shot for atonement against Victory but cherishes every second in camp with the Socceroos.

Cementing a spot in Postecoglou’s starting line-up is the former Western Sydney defender’s consuming passion.

“I do everything I can to make sure I don’t have a bad day, do everything right. It is never easy starting in that team, we have plenty of quality,” said Elrich, who made his Socceroos debut against Macedonia in Skopje during March.

“If you are playing well at your club Ang will pick you.

“When I come back, I’ll be aiming to play the football I know I can play and I’ll continue to push myself and get better and better.”