“I definitely think I'm capable of playing. I'm not sure what the deal is with [Mark] Schwarzer. I know he's the number one but I know at the same time I can go out there and do a job for the team,” Covic told au.fourfourtwo.com.

“At this stage none of us really know which way he's [Pim Verbeek] going to lean, but I'm confident I'll be part of it come the game.”

The A-League keepers have built a strong case for inclusion in Verbeek's starting XI. Danny Vukovic put in a stellar performance at Soccreoo training this week with two excellent saves in a nine v nine drill. His form at club level has also been outstanding.

And Bolton was also his usual calm and efficient when called upon at training this week. He too has looked the part with Sydney FC in recent weeks.

Covic, a former Hammarby and PAOK glovesman, last played for the Socceroos in an Asian Cup qualifier in Bahrain two years ago ( Australia won 3-1).

He broke into the national team as third keeper behind Mark Schwarzer and Zeljko Kalac in 2005 ahead of the Uruguay qualifier. He stayed as third choice keeper at the 2006 World Cup.

And he is in fine form right now at club level. His save in last weekend's F3 derby from John Aloisi's second half header has been variously described as the save of the season.

“We don't really have the time but I think Tuesday's training was a bit more intense. We're getting to know Pim and know what he wants,” Covic added.

The 32-year-old has been at the back of one of the A-League's best defences. Conceding 22 goals to date the Newcastle side has the second best defensive record this season.

The team with the stingiest defence is Queensland Roar. And Covic for one hopes defensive bulwark Craig Moore gets a Socceroo recall come Feb 6.

“Someone of Craig Moore's ability is always good to have in the squad. He's proved his worth over the years. If I was in goals, I'd be happy to have him there. I think his experience counts more than anything.

“And I think I've been in the squad for a good period since the World Cup and I know Moorey well and I think he respects me as a goalkeeper. It works both ways – if you're confident with your backline and the backline is confident with its keeper it makes life much more comfortable.

“I think I can bring that to the team and I know Moorey would definitely bring something like that to the team. I feel after 10-12 years I've got the experience now behind me."

Covic added that a mix of A-League and overseas players may be what Verbeek was thinking.

“I'm sure Pim is looking at players who've been under pressure before – that's a big part of it - to be mentally ready.

“And they've [Qatar] got a better preparation than us. It's probably what he's thinking about – who can stand up to the pressure without nerves getting to you. So he'll be looking at who's delivered before and who's delivered under pressure."

The Socceroos have their final two-day camp next week. They then go into camp in Melbourne on January 28 ahead of the February 6 World Cup qualifier with the Qataris.

“I've played one game for Australia, I don't want to leave it at that,” Covic added.

“If I can get to this Qatar game I want to leave an impression for the China game as well.”