Cole was one of 13 Hyundai A-League players included in the over-sized squad announced in Sydney, completing a stunning rise from the NSW Premier League to the brink of national selection in less than eight weeks.

"I don't know if anything like that ever sinks in...it doesn't feel real," a stunned Cole said.

"The squad still has to get cut down but it's a great honour just to be named in a group like that."

The 24-year-old midfielder has made the most of his A-League call up this season playing every minute of the Sky Blues' opening six matches.

And while his feet remain firmly on the ground, he plans to make the most of the rare chance to mix with the biggest names in Australian football.

"If I'm called into the camp (in Brisbane next Wednesday) I might as well take my exercise book and pen and write down as many notes as I can because I've learned plenty from my team-mates here in Sydney, let alone the Socceroos," he said.

"I never imagined my home club would give me a chance, thank god that Kossie did.

"But the Socceroos - I was having a laugh with before with someone saying I haven't thought about playing with the Socceroos since I was seven.

"There's a long way to go still but it's a fantastic honour for me just to be considered."

Asked which players he is most looking forward to training alongside Cole replied: "How do you name one? If you look at some of the guys there."

"If I'm brave enough to talk to any of them I'll be asking them plenty of questions."