Young Aussie goalkeeper Adam Federici is chomping at the bit to represent his country. But he knows he still may have to bide his time seeing long-time custodian Mark Schwarzer and back-up shot-stopper Michael Petkovic are ahead of him.

The 23-year old is currently on loan to English League One club Southend from Championship side Reading and is in great form with the gloves.

Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek wants Federici to pay as much as he can to improve, a theory that the boy from Nowra agrees with.

"I'm playing regular first team football, which is what Pim wants me to do, and what I need to be doing and I feel ready to do whatever is asked of me with the national team," Federici told The World Game.

"If I got the opportunity next week I know I'd show I'm good enough for the No.1 spot and if it comes in two years time then it would be the same.

"Mark's a great keeper and a great guy and I still have it all to do in my career but I know what I'm capable of too.

"I never thought my chance had gone with Australia but I'm just happy now to be able to keep my name in and around the squad," Federici added.

"My plan is to now return to Reading and force my way into the first team (at the expense of the seemingly immovable Marcus Hahnemann) and I know the boss (Steve Coppell) wants me to be the No.1 in the future.

"If that happens, then I can give Mark a real run for his money next season when we are hopefully back in the Premiership.

"I know I need to be playing at a higher level to stake a strong claim. I know what I must do… it's so close I can almost touch it.

"I have to stay patient. Sometimes I get ahead of myself and I get a little frustrated but I have to remember that time is on my side.

"I have to keep reminding myself that Mark Schwarzer only got his first taste of Premiership football at 23 or so, and I got mine at 22.

"He is the benchmark and I've got to work as hard as he has and then things will happen for me."