Deng is back in the national team squad for this Friday's friendly against South Korea.

In camp the Melbourne Victory defender has been duking it out with Sydney's FC Grant for the right fullback role.

Grant is six years older than Deng and has eight caps for the Socceroos to his name.

The 22-year-old, who can play in the centre of defence as well, knows he has to prove himself to knock his A-League rival from the spot he claimed at the Asian Cup.

"The competition with Rhyan is a tough one because he’s had a fantastic season and they [Sydney FC] have just come off winning the Championship,” Deng said.

"For me, the main thing is just trying to learn as much as I can in this camp and also in the system Arnie wants me to play. As long as I can contribute to the team, that’s all that matters to me.... Competition for places has started to get a bit more fiery but I'm looking forward to it.

"We're looking forward to a very good game on Friday."

Deng only made his senior Australian debut late last year and is happy to be back in the green and gold.

"It's been good, the last week has been very bright and sharp," he said.

"There's been a lot of new faces and new boys in the camp so everyone has been trying to impress Arnie.

"Training's been really good in terms of getting to know each other and try and mould as a group."