Defender Jason Geria has admitted that his form for Melbourne Victory in the A-League this season is not good enough for him to earn a Soccceroos call-up.
The Victory right-back has steadily improved his form this season, helping the A-League force push Sydney FC for the title.
Geria was called up for two qualifiers in March last year off the back of his club form and then debuted in a friendly match with Greece in June.
There's also a neon-lighted vacant sign over the right-back position.
Three different players have started in the role in the Socceroos' last three qualifiers, which have ended in draws.
There's also a fitness query over positional rival Ivan Franjic, who held the position through the Asian Cup.
So then, does Geria believe his form merits a place in the Socceroos squad?
"If I'm honest not really," he told reporters on Monday.
Perhaps it's that candid assessment that makes him an Ange Postecoglou favourite.
The national team boss brought Geria from Brisbane to Victory when he was in club football, and blooded him in the national team.
Geria said he hasn't given up on making a run to Russia, either for this year's Confederations Cup or next year's World Cup.
"I'd love to be part of it but at this time focusing on Melbourne Victory is what will get me there," he said.
"I just have to keep working. If I play well these things could happen."
On club form, it appears at least one Victory player will be a part of World Cup qualifiers next month against Iraq and the United Arab Emirates.
James Troisi produced another man-on-the-match performance in Victory's 3-0 win over the Central Coast Mariners on Sunday and is a favourite to replace the injured Tom Rojic in a 23-man squad.
Postecoglou said he will rely on more A-League players for the qualifiers, given it's in season and plenty of locals are firing.
Geria insists his focus will remain on Victory's title chances after a weekend in which they cut the gap to leaders Sydney FC to nine points.
"Hopefully we can make some more ground on them as well, " he said.
"Having a buffer on third is good as well as that chasing pack, they're picking up points.
"But we really want to get first. That requires us to get wins and that's what the focus is on."