An all-A-League squad was criticised after a meek performance in the qualification campaign opener against Indonesia in Jakarta in January which ended 0-0.

But Zullo said the locally-based boys wanted to show that they are up to international standard in the Asian Cup qualifier against Kuwait in Canberra this Thursday.

"We all realise that people, those not involved with football, are looking at this an opportunity to show that the A-League isn't up to standard. We need to stand up and play for our own pride," he said.

"We have a point to prove. We are still a long way off where we want to be as far as competition level. This is our chance, not to necessarily put on a show, but to get the result.

"Playing entertaining football, that's what we all love to do, but the main thing is qualifying for Asia and showing Pim and showing everyone we can do the job."

Zullo said the entire squad realised that they were in the privileged position to represent the Socceroos, and they wanted to make the most of that.

"We are wearing the Australian jersey and that's a massive privilege and we all realise what it's going to take to win on Thursday. We are all really up for it," he said.

"Pim's use of the overseas boys (in the World Cup qualifiers) shows that we need to step up and show we are not quite far off that level. We need to show that we are worthy of wearing the Socceroos jersey."

The 20-year-old said that the Socceroos felt anything short of a win on Thursday would be a disappointment, but that it was dangerous to read too much into Kuwait's opening performance against Oman, where it lost 1-0.

 "I think we always knew that we have to win at home. When you're away you can get away with a lesser result," he said. "Home games you need to perform well. We played Oman in the Asian Cup and they are a quality team."

Zullo made his senior Australian debut in the Indonesia match, coming on as a substitute. Long-regarded as a future star of the game, the attacking Roar winger is hopeful he can get another chance to make an impression against Kuwait.

He added: "Being one of the younger boys, I'm not expecting that much out of this camp, but it will be a big deal if I can get on the park. Starting would be an amazing thing as well"