Federici has been enthusiastically keeping close tabs on the 2011 Cricket World Cup during his injury-enforced six-week absence from action at Championship club Reading.

Ponting, Federici's sporting hero, stepped down as Australia captain earlier this week after their quarter-final exit from the World Cup.

The 26-year-old goalkeeper, who is set to return to action for the Royals this weekend, told the Reading Post he'd love to follow in Ponting's footsteps by captaining his country.

“I would like to command the kind of respect that he has,” Federici said. “I would have loved to have been captain here and I see myself as a senior player.

"I try to set an example for the younger guys with my work ethic and the way I go about things.

“One day I would like to be a captain and if I ever got the chance to captain Australia that would be unbelievable.”

Federici also weighed into Ponting's decision to stand down as Australia captain.

“Personally I think Ricky is a fantastic captain and to see what’s happened, well the media have a part to play in that," he said. "He’s a tremendous captain and it’s sad to see him go.

“For all the people that say he hasn’t done much and are giving him a hard time, you just have to look at his record to see what he has achieved.

“Not only is he a great cricket captain, but he’s a role model for all Australians and for me, it’s hard to see him go.”

At Reading, Federici is part of a player's leadership committee alongside club captain Ivar Ingimarsson, first-team skipper Matt Mills and winger Jobi McAnuff.

“If people want to come and speak to us or have problems then we’re there,” Federici said. "The system works and I love that responsibility and thrive on it.”

Meanwhile, Federici is a chance to return to action this weekend for the Royals after injuring his knee in a clash with Watford on February 19.

"I'd like to be involved on Saturday, but that's up to the manager," Federici told the Reading Chronicle.

"The injury has been quite tough and strenuous work but it's gone well and I'm back to full training now.

"I'm just trying to get over the last hurdle which is kicking off the ground, and obviously that's a big part as a goalkeeper.

"But hopefully I'll be back to that by the end of this week so we'll see how it goes."