“I want to be in the national team as long as possible,” he declared to au.fourfourtwo.com. “I was in the squad for a good year and a half and I got to the World Cup and there’s no better feeling.

"For me, maybe coming back to Australia may not have been the smartest move for the Socceroos.”

Covic was chosen alongside Mark Schwarzer and Zeljko Kalac for World Cup duty but was not mentioned when the Asian Cup squad was announced. Now Covic has revealed it was an off-season injury that ruled him out of contention.

“I had the option to stay [in Europe] but decided to come home and with the season finishing so early compared to Europe it might have hurt my chances for the Asian Cup," he said.

"But I got injured in March and tore a couple of ligaments in my ankle so once I did that it was at least three months and with no football and an injury I was no chance of being a look-in for the Cup.

"That was unfortunate for me. I definitely would never shut the door on being called up for my country again and I hope it comes again."

He added: “I know there’s going to be a busy schedule now with the World Cup qualifiers so hopefully I am still in the mix.

"The best thing I can do is start this season and start on a really good note to remind them that I’m still here and playing well.”

After suffering a 4-1 pre-season loss to Adelaide on Friday (a match that saw both Mark Bridge and Adam Griffiths sent off), Covic is nervous that time is ticking before the season proper begins.

He says the Jets’ preparations were dealt an early blow following the storms that ravaged Newcastle, and has been made increasingly difficult as they continue to await new recruits to arrive from South America.

“Initially when we started we had a good break but unfortunately Newcastle got smashed in the storms and we had quite a number of games cancelled and training venues changed," he added.

"The first three weeks didn’t go down as planned and that’s put us on the back foot.

"As far as I know at least one of them (the Jets’ new signings) should be coming this week and that’s been a frustrating part for the whole team," he said.

"I know a lot of us are disappointed because we’ve lost a few players and we need to start strengthening our squad.

"It’s coming to three to four weeks before the season starts and you’re looking at players need to fit the mould of the team and we have no idea what these players are capable or what they’re like.

"It would be nice to get them here as early as possible. The sooner they get here, the better for the whole squad.”

Covic has captained the Jets during the pre-season and is hopeful that the arrangement becomes permanent.

He said: “I’ve worn the armband the last couple of times but I think Dutchy [Gary Van Egmond] will come out with his choice soon because nothing has been set in stone.

"If the captaincy was offered I’d definitely accept it but there are a couple of guys in the team that have the experience and personality to be captain.

"Whatever Dutchy decides, I know he’s got to make a decision for what’s best for the team on the field.

"If it’s me great, but if it’s not I know he’ll give it to someone who’s respected in the team.”