To see the Socceroos train on Wednesday...
     

The 25-year-old shot-stopper, who plays his club football with Reading in England's Championship, will be second fiddle to number one Mark Schwarzer in South Africa.

But Federici told the Reading Post he needs to play his part to help out the Socceroos number one.

"If I'm not involved I'll be making sure I support Mark as much as I can," Federici said.

"You can't go far in this competition on your own. It's all about being a team. We've put a lot of hard work in to get this far already."

Federici, along with fellow back-up keeper Brad Jones, made 45-minute appearances in the recent warm-up win over New Zealand following a thumb injury to Schwarzer.

The game was Federici's belated debut and he revealed it was a great experience for him.

"It was a really emotional time for me walking out at the MCG in front of 50,000 people," he said.

"It was a fantastic feeling. I was nervous, but I didn't let that get to me and I really enjoyed the occasion.

"Making your international debut is a big enough deal as it is, but to do it against New Zealand in any sport at the MCG - it really doesn't get much better than that when you're an Aussie.

"My whole family were there and it was a proud day for them. I got quite a few texts off the coaching staff back at Reading saying well done as well, which was nice."

The Nowra-born goalkeeper also said he was delighted to be in South Africa for the World Cup, rather than on holiday like many of his club teammates.

He added: "I've been getting quite a few texts off the lads at Reading.

"They've been sending me pictures of them on the beach, but I would much rather be here doing all this running than doing what they are.

"I'm sure they would all rather be in my shoes as well. I know they're all right behind me."

To see the Socceroos train on Wednesday...