Brisbane Roar skipper McKay, Gold Coast's Jason Culina, Melbourne Victory's Robbie Kruse and Wellington Phoenix's Jade North were all chosen in the 23-man squad.

Speaking at Ballymore after training with Roar, McKay said on-field action would be important for team places under the reign of national boss Holger Osieck.

"He's watched all the A-League games and he knows all the players now and that's an important thing," said McKay.

"You're playing 90 minutes each week, the better players are guaranteed 90 minutes, and some players in Europe aren't doing that.

"If we keep working hard in the A-League, the chances will come for some players. You see the players that are selected now are the players that are playing regularly.

"That proves to boys that they have to be playing and they can't just sit on the bench each week and expect to be making the national team.

"The A-League provides that time, but you've got to be playing well in the A-League."

McKay's position in the squad comes with plenty of competition, and while club coach Ange Postecoglou says on form he should be chosen to start, the tireless midfielder isn't taking anything for granted.

McKay says he'll be happy to contribute in any ways possible, as the Socceroos target a tournament win to make up for their disappointing quarter-finals exit in their inaugural attempt back in 2007.

"It's a big achievement. I always planned to hopefully make the squad and now to be named in it, it's a big challenge for the whole squad to go there and win the Cup," he said.

"I don't know about the starting 11, but we've got a friendly against the UAE, hopefully I'll get some minutes there and do my part.

"I definitely want to play some kind of part in the Asian Cup. It's a big event, behind the World Cup for Australia, and the Socceroos have ambitions to win the tournament.

"It's massive for Australian football if we can go on and win this Asian Cup. That opens up a lot more passes, to the Federations Cup and stuff like that. It'd definitely be a huge tournament."

While McKay will be a popular inclusion for football fans in Queensland and Australia, former Roar sensation and current FC Utrecht fringe player Tommy Oar was a surprise exclusion.

McKay added: "Tommy's a great player and he's going to be involved in the national team over the next 10 to 15 years.

"He's working his way through his club FC Utrecht and hasn't become a regular yet, but will do, so he'll bide his time and he's a great player and one for the future."