Covic, who turned 38 last month, has enjoyed two sensational seasons back in the A-League and is the undisputed number one at Wanderland.

After a brilliant campaign with a shambolic Melbourne Victory, Covic was surprisingly let go in 2012 and subsequently joined the Wanderers.

It was a masterstroke by Wanderers coach Tony Popovic.

As part of the meanest defence in the league conceding just 21 goals in 27 games, Covic’s form last season was as good as at any time in his career, helping the red and black to a Premiership and a grand final appearance.

The fans took notice, voting him into the A-League All Stars squad for the July 20 fixture with Manchester United, where he’s set to face the likes of Van Persie, Nani and others.

So while the enduring career of Mark Schwarzer, 40,  has restricted Covic to a supporting role for much of the last seven years (and just two full appearances in the green and gold, the last in 2008), Covic sees himself as a potential back-up for Brazil.

“I would never, ever say no to the Socceroos,” he told au.fourfourtwo.com.

“It’s the biggest honour you can be given. I was lucky enough to be in it for a long period of time and I loved every minute. And that passion hasn’t dwindled.

“For me, personally, I believe my form is good enough to be in there but I can’t control the selection. I can only control what I do here on the field.

“I’m not satisfied with what I did last season. I want to take the next step and do everything I can to give myself he best chance of being in that Socceroo squad. I still harbour those ambitions, without question.” 

But competition for the two spots along with Schwarzer is keen and not completely cut and dried.

The younger Mitchell Langerak, number two at Borussia Dortmund, and the more experienced Eugene Galekovic were in the squad for the Socceroos’ final three World Cup qualifiers last month.

The pair have made a strong case with Langerak in particular considered a strong option as Schwarzer’s long-term successor while Galekovic is the number one keeper with Adelaide United.

Others in the mix include Reading’s Adam Federici, new Club Brugge signing Mat Ryan and Liverpool back-up glovesman Brad Jones.

All have legitimate claims. But right now, what Covic has in his favour is form, experience and the length of the upcoming season. What’s more, he is firmly entrenched as the Wanderers number one meaning he’ll be game fit for Brazil.

For the Wanderers, the A-League season should finish around May. At the same time they’ll compete in the 2014 Asian Champions League group stage. 

If by next May Covic maintains his form and, as expected, plays regularly he will make a strong case to be one of the three Socceroo keepers taken to the World Cup.

If so, he’ll celebrate his 39th birthday during the biggest football party on the planet.

And perhaps it’s because Covic is closer to the end of his career than its start is a reason why his form is so good.

“I spoke to ‘Schwarzy’ after we qualified for the World Cup and the mentality when you get to a certain age you appreciate the game so much more,” said Covic, a former Grand Final winner with the Jets and Swedish league keeper with Hammarby.

“When you are younger you almost take it for granted. Just doing your thing but now I’m in a period of my career where I want to give it my all.

“I love the game and I’m loving my football. I know it’ll end one day and that’s probably going to be the hardest decision of my life.

“Football’s almost my life at the moment. And I know to stay in this league and to stay at the top I have to work twice as hard as I have been.”