“I made my debut in an away game in Bahrain for the Socceroos and every time you represent your country there is pressure,” Covic told au.fourfourtwo.com today.

“I've been involved in the national set up for quite a few camps. I know the boys and I kinda know what is expected. So if selected I'll front up and take it by the scruff of the neck.”

With Olyroo number one Danny Vukovic suspended, Covic is expected to be number two to Mark Schwarzer in China for the World Cup qualifier on March 26, even though exciting youngster Tando Velaphi is now in the reckoning and is in the squad for the Singapore friendly on March 22.

The friendly will be another crucial test for the Australian based goalkeeping ranks. And with Euro-based Socceroos flying in to China in the days leading in to a big game, injuries and travel issues could still play a part in selection for the clash in Kunming.

Covic, 32, knows he has to perform in Singapore to keep the pressure on Schwarzer and repel the push from Velaphi and others such as Adam Federici for squad selection.

“The Singapore game will give us a little bit more to show Pim [Verbeek]. For me it's definitely a positive and I'm glad I'm going there and on the field I definitely want to prove what I'm worth.

“I'm quietly confident judging by the last camp and last squad I'm feeling the same way. I definitely want to be in China and I'd love to play in China but the first thing is to get in the squad but I am confident.

“As far as I know we are grouping up for the Singapore game but what happens after that I'm not sure. It may be a situation like in Melbourne of who he brings back from Europe. So no-one really knows if they are coming home after the Singapore game or continuing onto China,” adds the former Hammarby glovesman.

The Jets took around 10 days off after winning the grand final in late February, but since then have been back in full training mode.

And it's just as well with another healthy number of Jets in the national squad. Tarek Elrich, Adam Griffiths, Jade North and James Holland join Covic in the squad.

However, the omission of Joel Griffiths was, as Covic described it, surprising. “I'm not too sure. I haven't actually spoken to Joel and obviously haven't spoken to Pim. I don't know whether it's because he's playing in Japan at that time.

“I really don't know but obviously knowing Joel he'd love to be there. Look if was available for selection it was a bit of a surprise to me but I suppose I'm not the person to comment on that.”