Huddersfield Town left-back Dean Heffernan admits he has been deflated by his omission from Australia's preliminary World Cup squad.

Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek released his 30-man provisional team earlier this week without including Heffernan's name which has disappointed the 29-year old although he actually more focused on this weekend's League One play-off against Millwall.

"Missing out is a major disappointment, especially at this stage of my career, but I've done everything possible to get there, so I have to take it on the chin," Heffernan told the Huddersfield Examiner. "I'm lucky in the sense that I've played for my country, and I won't give up on trying to win back my place in the squad.

"In the meantime, I'll be rooting for the boys who are going to South Africa, but before that, the play-offs are very much my priority.

"After missing the last four games, I've got my work cut out to get back in, but I'm working flat out on the training ground, and believe me, the chance of playing at Wembley is a big incentive for everyone."