Named in the provisional 31-man squad on Tuesday, Carle is aware he needs to impress in the training camp to make the final squad on June 1.

"I don't think there's any secret that I'm one of the players that are fighting for a position in the 23," the 28-year-old told Sky Sports radio.

But the Crystal Palace midfielder is happy to have the opportunity to prove himself.

"I'm just glad to be picked in the 31 and I'm going to keep my head down and work as hard as I can to try and get myself in that 23 and be able to play in South Africa," he said.

"There's no bigger thing, it's a childhood dream.

"If you're a football fan, you've been watching the World Cup since you were young, to be able to get the chance to play in one of them, you'd have to pinch yourself."

The 12-time capped Socceroo refused to be drawn into speculation he would sign with Sydney FC.

He added: "My sole focus at the moment is training hard and making sure I'm as fit as possible so when camp does start on May 19, I'm ready to go."