The goalkeeper is very much part of Graham Arnold’s Olyroo plans although Federici may not have a clear path to the custodian’s spot now that Danny Vukovic has been cleared to play.

Olympic duties will rule Federici out of Reading’s pre-season tour to Sweden and up to four games of the league campaign.

However, he believes Beijing will present him with a better chance of dislodging Marcus Hahnemann as the club’s number one in the long term.

Federici told the Reading Evening Post: “It was a really hard decision, but after speaking with the gaffer and the manager of the national team we came to the conclusion it was for the best.

“I want to be here with Reading, but I can still do most of the pre-season before going off and playing a few friendlies and then playing in the actual tournament.

“It is probably more worthwhile playing seven or so competitive international games than staying at Reading and playing against League 1 and Championship sides and sharing those games with Marcus.

“It will also be a proud moment for me to represent my country in the Olympics. It is a massive tournament, and I should come back with the experience under my belt.

“I have been told I am going out there as No. 1 so it’s up to me to play well in the friendlies and then we’ll take it from there.”

Reading begin their pre-season campaign at the start of July, but Federici will fly out to China on July 23, which is likely to be when Royals are on tour in Sweden.

Federici could miss Royals’ first four league games next season, depending on how far the Socceroos progress at the Olympics.

Federici said: “The chance of winning an Olympic medal is fantastic, but I don’t think Australia have ever made it past the first group stage, so we are very much the under-dogs.

“That can be a good thing, though, because no-one expects things of you. My goal this season was to play a few games, but it’s not gone that way.

“Next season my goal is to be Reading’s keeper. I have made no secret of that and Marcus knows that.

“The Olympics is a great honour for me and I just want to do well, come back and get into the team here.”

Reading’s director of football Nick Hammond also believes the opportunity to play in the Olympics will be good for the keeper.

He said: “Adam will miss a part of the pre-season programme and possibly the start of the season.

“But in a way he will have a very good pre-season in regards to competitive games, quality of games and the number he will play.”

While Vukovic and Federici will probably battle it out for the jersey Pim Verbeek has this week lavished praised on Liverpool youngster Dean Bouzanis.

The Socceroos coach recently met up with the keeper – also being chased by Greece - at Anfield. He said: “He made a good impression on me.”