Central Coast Mariners goalkeeper Danny Vukovic feels he is right back in contention for the Australian national team after being selected for the 23-man squad that will take on Kuwait on Thursday morning.

The 24-year old missed out on the Beijing Olympics after being banned because of an incident in the 2008 A-League Grand Final but says his recent selection means he is back in the frame and knows he has to keep his performances at a premium level if he is to get on the plane for South Africa later this year.

''Now I feel as if I am back where I belong,'' Vukovic says. ''I feel I am playing in the best form of my career and that I am contributing to the Mariners' performances and clean sheets. It's just a confidence thing, it keeps growing with every game. In the form I have been in this season, I think that this is my best chance to play for the Socceroos.

''I think I am in the mix for the World Cup. There is probably a handful of keepers who are, and those playing overseas probably have a bit of an advantage over myself and the other boys playing in the A-League. I think I will be looking for a loan deal at the end of the season. Everyone knows if you are not playing after March through to the World Cup you have pretty much no chance of going.''

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