January's trip to Kuwait with the Australian national team was a positive experience for Brisbane Roar youngster Tommy Oar.

It was his first time with the senior Socceroos after being a key player in the U20 squad and he admits it was a great learning curve, especially with the guidance of manager Pim Verbeek.

"He's the person whose opinion I value the most and we had a good chat last time I was in camp and I have taken on board the things he said about my career," said the 18-year old.

"Last time in Kuwait I was new to it all and this time I'm hoping to take it in my stride better and hopefully make it on to the bench or better.

"Things are happening fast and I need to just keep myself grounded and not get carried away.

"While I've done well in certain games for the Roar, I know I need to be a lot more consistent.

"That's always the key for younger players and it's going to be my biggest challenge."

A very level-headed Oar understands that in football, you are going to get your detractors and refused to get into a slanging match with Beijing Guoan striker Joel Griffiths who was critical of Oar being included in the squad.

"You always have critics and I don't really concern myself too much with that," said Oar.

"If you worry about every person that criticises, you will have too much on your plate.

"I try to listen to the opinions of the people that really matter like Pim (Verbeek) and Ange Postecoglou (the Roar coach).

"I suppose some people's opinions are based on emotion."