The Melbourne Victory forward has never felt better and would love the chance to join colleague Archie Thompson in the Socceroos set up.

He isn’t obsessing about it though, a more chilled out Allsopp is just enjoying his game and reaping the rewards as a result.

As the clock ticks down to Saturday’s derby encounter with Sydney FC on Saturday night, Allsopp cannot wait.

The Victory striker, who will not have the support of the suspended Archie Thompson to assist him, told au.fourfourtwo.com: “I think this weekend’s game against Sydney is a great one to have coming off the back of the defeat at Newcastle.

“Credit to Newcastle, they played well but with other results going our way we managed to end the round still top of the table.

“But that’s gone now and we have to focus on the game here against Sydney. Form goes out of the window in this fixture and it’s always a big occasion.

“I still remember the game where we had 50,000 fans here against them and the boys were desperate to reward the fans with three points. Unfortunately we couldn’t do it and had to settle to for a 0-0 draw.

“I know we’ll have another big crowd this weekend and I’ve already had lots of requests for tickets. With the other sports having finished (NRL and AFL) then there’s even more focus on this match and this is the biggest show in town.

“I think we’re in for a good attacking game and I’m sure the fans will make a tremendous atmosphere.

“You have the two biggest cities in Australia competing against each other and with only one team in each city at the moment then it’s all undiluted (the passion).”

Sydney FC have failed to win in their last three A-League games and on top of that they have a poor record in meetings with Melbourne – and they’ve yet to win an A-League game at the Telstra Dome.

Melbourne’s recent record also shows just one win in the last three outings but Allsopp goes into the match buoyed by a good scoring record against the Moore Park men, including a winning goal in one of last season’s meetings.

He said: “We’ve a pretty good record but we won’t really be thinking about that. It’s about now and they’ll be just as keen as us to get the three points.

“They have some quality players in their squad and someone like Steve Corica is always going to cause you problems if you don’t work hard to close him down.”

Allsopp has netted six goals so far this season and also boasts the most attempts on goal. He says he is enjoying his football more than ever before and believes a more relaxed approach has aided his game this season rather than worrying too much and trying to force things to happen.

He said: “I feel in good shape and I’m getting myself into good positions. You know you’re going to get yourself into those areas and maybe I’m just a little more relaxed and that’s helped me.”

Allsopp hopes a home win will enhance his own international prospects. He said: “I feel I have something to offer and I think I’m a little bit different to the players Pim Verbeek has (in attack).

“But he knows what he wants and what he’s looking for. All I’m going to do is just carry on working hard for my team and score some goals.”