Coach Holger Osieck says he wants the selection of Melbourne Heart defender Michael Marrone in the Socceroos squad for next week's World Cup qualifier to be viewed as a sign that anything's possible.
Marrone, whose international involvement is confined to three caps for the Under-20s in 2006-07, was the bolter in the 19-man squad to host Saudi Arabia at AAMI Park next Wednesday night.
Osieck said that while the 25-year-old deserved his call-up, his selection sends an important signal.
"The fact that I included Marrone should indicate clearly that I am appreciating consistency in performance," said Osieck.
"But also it's ... an incentive for other A-League players that they can see, yes, we are on the radar, we get monitored and we definitely get recognition."
"It's not just reward for him but a signal for other players as well."
Sitting atop the Asian Qualifying group table with four wins and a draw from five matches has given Osieck the chance to experiment with selection for this, the last of the third-round fixtures.
There are nine A-League players in the squad, three of whom – Marrone, Central Coast Mariners goalkeeper Matt Ryan and Brisbane Roar midfielder Erik Paartalu, are uncapped at A-International level.
Osieck said there were several other Australian-based youngsters worthy of promotion on ability alone but who lacked the drive he's looking for.
"There have been a number of younger players - I don't want to give you any names - that people would like to see, but, no," said Osieck.
"They have the talent but when you see them, you don't really feel the desire to be there."
"They have the odd action and you don't see them for 20 minutes, then you have a one-one situation and everyone says, 'oh, did you see that?'".
"But I look at the situation as a whole and I don't like it."
"I'm on top of the A-League, I go to the different games."
"I'm not always in the VIP area, I like to be there in a quiet corner, but I'm there."