Colchester United captain Chris Coyne faces a battle between club and country leading into next year's World Cup. Coyne plans to do all he can to help the Socceroos qualify for South Africa 2010 but his club boss, Paul Lambert is concerned he may miss too much game time with United.
The defender says he understands both sides of the argument.
"I completely understand the club's stance," Coyne told the Essex County Standard.
"I've sat down and spoken to the manager about it and he has every right to voice his concerns. They pay my wages and they're who I'm contracted to for another 2 1/2 years.
"I've been unavailable for large amounts of this season, but when it comes to club and country, I know where my bread is buttered.
"But the honour of pulling on that green and gold shirt is something I've always worked hard for. It's something I've wanted to do throughout my whole career, so I'm not going to throw it away now."