Australia captain Lucas Neill has reiterated his desire to play for his country at the expense of angering his Premiership club West Ham.

After Australia defeated Qatar 3-0 in their opening World Cup qualifying match, Neill is gearing up to feature for the Socceroos in their second game against China in Kunming on March 26.

But the clash is sandwiched between English Premiership away games at Everton and Sunderland, which may force Hammers manager Alan Curbishley to prevent the defender from turning out for Australia.

"People say, 'why would you want to go and play for Australia in the middle of two English Premier League games?' It's because I'm playing for Australia and I want to go to the World Cup," said the former Blackburn defender.

"It's an honour and a privilege and I'm sure there are millions and millions who would want to be doing what we are doing and I'm not taking it for granted."

When asked how he was going to handle Curbishley's objections to him playing for the Socceroos, Neill believes he has a legitimate reason.

He said: "If it was him, [Curbishley] going to represent England, he wouldn't have an argument and that's the only case we have to put forward to him."