The Central Coast Mariners striker netted five goals in four games for the Olyroos at the Intercontinental Cup and was rewarded with a call up into Pim Verbeek's squad for the Iraq World Cup qualifier.

Simon arrived back in Sydney with the rest of Arnold's squad this morning before catching a connecting flight up to Brisbane.

His elevation has yet to sink in and Simon admits he is having to pinch himself at the prospect of training with Harry Kewell and company.

He told au.fourfourtwo.com: "After our final against Nigeria we were getting off the team bus back at the hotel and Arnie pulled me aside.

"He congratulated me and told me I was in the Socceroos squad. I was a bit shocked but also very excited."

Simon is not getting carried away with life though and won't let all the plaudits go to his head.

He said: "The biggest thing is to stay calm and keep doing what I've been doing.

"I had an opportunity over in Malaysia to play some games and did pretty well. It's all happening so fast for me. I'm just looking forward to every step of the way.

"Scoring those goals was just the beginning, just the beginning of the (Olympic) selection period. With each camp I go in to, I have to do well."

Simon is hungry to improve and feels each new international experience makes him a better player. He said: "I learn different things each time."

As for training with Kewell this week, Simon joked: "I think I might learn a bit off him. It's going to be a pretty special thing, going into camp with these players."