Aston Villa defender Shane Lowry admits he has his mind set on the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
The 21-year old, currently on loan with Championship club Sheffield United, says if he can continue to play regularly and develop as he goes, then he is a great chance of making the Australian squad for the next world tournament.
Lowry, who played at junior level with Middlesbrough's Rhys Williams and fellow Villa man Chris Herd, says the trio can all figure in Brazil if things go well for them in between now and then.
"The key for us is to keep playing well and playing regularly," he told The World Game.
"We all come from the same club in Perth and we've had great coaching from an early age. Joondalup (in Western Australia) is a really an academy as much as a club and a great breeding ground for talent.
"The good thing for us, and maybe also for the national team in the future, is that we can fill a variety of roles.
"I'm more of a centre back, but I played as a fullback at Leeds on loan last season. Chris is a midfielder but in his two starts so far for Villa he's played in midfield (against Manchester City) and as a centre-back (against Wolves). He can also play at right back.
"Everybody knows how versatile Rhys is. He's played right back for Australia, centre back for Boro and is currently in midfield for them.
"That gives the national team coach a lot of options with all three of us if he wants to go that way.
"Chris has been progressing really well at Villa and I couldn't be happier for him. We came to England together and played together for Villa in the youth team and the reserves.
"When I've been involved the older players have been brilliant with us younger ones and while they are still top quality, they won't be there forever, so it's up to us to us be ready to step up if and when the chance comes," Lowry added.
"It would be great to be involved in Brazil if we qualify."
