AEK Athens striker Nathan Burns has not given up hope of a call-up for Australia's World Cup squad.

The 21-year old former Adelaide United star, who moved to Greece in June 2008, has found himself in the Beta Ethniki (second tier of Greek football) after being loaned out to Kerkyra but still gives himself a chance of making it to South Africa next year.

"Obviously I came to Corfu (Kerkyra) for the game experience, to get more game time, and hopefully push to get into the Socceroos," said Burns.

"I always keep tabs on how the Socceroos are going because now, I think we'd agree that the Socceroos squad is the strongest it's ever been, probably ever.

"For now I'm just trying to get my overseas career happening and then that will reflect on my Socceroos career in the future."

Although Burns is keen to push for selection this time around, he concedes that maybe the tournament to be held in Brazil in 2014 is a more realistic goal.

"Everyone wants to play Socceroos, everyone wants to go to the World Cup," added Burns.

"If I make the next World Cup (South Africa), well it's a massive honour and it's a great achievement, but realistically we're trying to look for maybe the World Cup after.

"It's very difficult to break into the team at this current point in time, but I think in the next couple of years maybe there will be some places up for grabs and that's when you've got to shine."