Perth Glory striker Mile Sterjovski has not given up hope on a place in the Socceroos World Cup squad.
The former Derby County man was forced to miss Australia's recent Asian Cup qualifier with an ankle injury and had limited international action prior to that but is determined to get himself back into top form and work his way into Pim Verbeek's calculations.
"I was disappointed not to be called up (initially)," Sterjovski said.
"But I actually was meant to go into camp in Melbourne after the Adelaide game (in Round 10) but I got injured.
"That was the most disappointing thing for me, 'cause they might have given me a chance to play there.
"But the World Cup's still a long time away. We've got plenty of time to make it into the squad and the same kind of thing happened to me last time around and I ended up making the team.
"So I'm not too worried at the moment, the most important thing is to keep playing regularly and to play well and to win games."
Sterjovski has been struggling with his injury since he limped off at half-time of the Adelaide United clash but is expected to return to lead his side in battle against the in-form Melbourne Victory at home on Sunday.