Herd was part of the 22-man Australia squad of potential Young Socceroos, Olyroos and Socceroos called up for a training camp which will assemble in Duisburg this week.

The 21-year-old Perth-born defender/midfielder, who started in a 1-0 loss to Wolverhampton in the league on Saturday, had previously flown under the radar with Socceroos selectors but has recently made rapid progress at Villa.

Herd, who had a successful loan spell with fourth tier Lincoln City last season, signed a new three-and-a-half-year deal at Villa Park in January after making a number of substitute's appearances earlier in the season.

Socceroos technical director Han Berger told The West Australian that Herd's recent progress at Villa prompted Osieck to want to have a closer look at him, along with Olyroos coach Aurelio Vidmar.

"He's getting playing time since (Gerard) Houllier is at Villa. So, a young player who gets playing time in the Premier League, that is enough information to have a closer look at him,” Berger said.

"Holger wants to see him and of course Viddy wants to see him because he's also still Olyroos age."

Berger revealed Herd had previously flown under the radar after joining Villa as a 15-year-old.

"We didn't know him until just before the under-20 World Cup in Egypt (in 2009)," Berger said.

"I think Graham Arnold saw him in the UK and then we invited him in the pre-World Cup camp.”

Herd was last week linked with a loan move to promotion-chasing Championship club Portsmouth.