Just under a year ago it was Carney who exploded on to the Socceroo scene with some eye-catching performances at the Asian Cup.

His displays helped him secure a switch from Sydney FC to Sheffield United and he is loving the experience. He is taking nothing for granted though and knows there are plenty of hungry youngsters – some he may not even know – looking to grab his spot from him.

Carney heads into Socceroo camp today in the belief that victory over Iraq in Brisbane on June 1 and then face the same side in Dubai just six days later.

Speaking exclusively to au.fourfourtwo.com he said: “I think if we can win the two games against Iraq then we’re in a very strong position and should qualify from that point (to the next stage).

"Six points has to be the target. There’s a lot of hard work to be done before that happens though.”

This week is all about impressing Verbeek and Carney is hoping for some game time on Friday at the stadium he once graced in Sydney FC’s colours.

He said: “The Ghana game is important for some players to prove a point to the coach that they can perform at international level, while it’s a good chance to get more match practice and fitness for some of the other boys.

“I’m really looking forward to all the matches and if I do get a game against Ghana at the SFS it’ll be great to perform in front of family and friends. It’d be a great honour to play there.”

So where does Carney see his most effective slot for his country? He said: “I’m a left midfielder obviously but the role in the Socceroos has been as a left wing back.

"It’s good as I can get forward but it’s about being smart and knowing when to do it and when not to.

“I’m happy just playing for the Socceroos. If I wasn’t enjoying it then I don’t think I’d be playing so well.”

Carney met up with Pim Verbeek in England three weeks ago when the coach took in a Sheffield United game. Carney said: “We had a good chat. He just wants me to be fit and raring to go. I am!”

While grateful for the chat with Verbeek, Carney is also keen to acknowledge the role of Graham Arnold in helping him achieve his European dream. Arnold showed tremendous faith in Carney at last year’s Asian Cup and the player didn’t let his then coach down.

He said: “Going overseas was a big boost confidence-wise. Arnie got me in that role at the start so I thank him for it. The last year has been really good.”

But with a hungry Olyroos squad and other youngsters desperate to impress, Carney knows one slip or any move on his part to ease off or let his standards slip will see someone else ‘do a Carney’ on him.

He doesn’t have one particular player marked as a threat to his own spot. He said: “I’m not too sure really. There’s players you know but then there’s players coming through that you might not be really aware of.

“But anyone in camp and training with the Socceroos is a quality player otherwise they wouldn’t be there.

“All I know is that I have to keep performing or someone else will take my spot pretty easy.”