Returning to the A-League will not jeapordise his spot in the Australian national team says Sydney FC recruit Brett Emerton.
The 32-year old has ended an eight-year relationship with English Premier League club Blackburn Rovers to return home but he has played down suggestions that if mat compromise his place in the Socceroos line-up.
"Players have shown in the past - and Jason Culina who has been in the A-League for a number of years is a prime example - that they can be a consistent part of the Socceroos set-up," Emerton told reporters at the Sydney Football Stadium on Tuesday.
"He's probably playing the best I've seen him play for a long time, even better than when he was in Europe (with PSV Eindhoven).
"So I don't think my standards will drop.
"As far as Holger's (Socceroos coach Holger Osieck) selection is concerned, he will always pick his players on performances and, as long as I'm playing well for Sydney, I can't see any reason I won't continue to play for the national team."
And Emerton is confident he can maintain a good level of performance despite there being more pressure on him in a much smaller competition.
"Expectations will be high, there's no doubt about that," he added.
"But I'm prepared to carry those expectations.
"I think every footballer, you're going to go through good and bad periods.
"But I'm old enough and wise enough and experienced enough to, when I'm not playing well, be confident in my own ability and get back to where I should be.
"I've chosen to come back now rather than in a few years' time because I'm in top form and I feel I can contribute to the A-League."
