Federici, 25, asked Australia boss Holger Osieck to leave him out of the Asian Cup squad so he could continue to focus on his duties at Championship promotion-challengers Reading.

"It's a big thing to turn down your country. It was a hard decision to make," Federici told the Reading Post.

"I'm one of the most patriotic people there is. But they know that I need to be playing and we have a good chance of doing well this season at Reading.

"The manager here wanted me to stay as well. I want to keep on playing so hopefully it works out for everyone."

He added: "I worked it out with the Aussie coaches and I really appreciate the help they have given me."

And Federici is now expected to sign a new contract with the second tier Royals keeping him at the Madejski Stadium until at least 2012, despite recently stating he wants to play Premier League football in the near future.

"I'm very confident that I will stay with Reading," Federici said.

"We've been talking and I'm hoping it's sorted soon. I'm looking forward to finishing this season strongly at this club and you never know where we might end up."