Rookie Ben Halloran believes he can provide the Socceroos' need-for-speed and play a significant role in Ange Postecoglou's plans in Brazil.
The 21-year-old flyer has yet to make an international appearance at senior level but a superb season for Fortuna Dusseldorf in Germany has him firmly in the reckoning for a spot in the World Cup squad.
The Socceroos have a farewell friendly against South Africa on Monday, before Postecoglou has to trim three players from his 30-man squad to fly out two days later.
With the likes of Tim Cahill, Josh Kennedy and Matthew Leckie all but assured to assume some of the attacking roles in the final 23, Halloran knows he is no sure thing to make the final cut.
But he hopes his lightning speed and strong end of season form with Fortuna proves he deserves a shot against Spain, the Netherlands and Chile.
"Pace is definitely an advantage to have and we have a few fast players in the team," Halloran told reporters after the squad's training session at Kogarah.
"That's something I obviously feel I possess as well.
"If you've got players like Josh Kennedy and Tim Cahill in the box and I can whip in crosses, they have the quality to put them away.
"I believe I can provide an asset for this team."
Halloran's confidence comes from a stunning end to the season in Germany, where he was one of Fortuna's standout players.
Considered a long shot for a World Cup berth at the start of 2014, the former Gold Coast United and Brisbane Roar attacker's form made him impossible for Postecoglou to ignore.
He was called-up for March's friendly against Ecuador in London but had to withdraw due to a hip problem.
But he was never far from selection reckoning thanks to six goals in 18 appearances in Bundesliga II this season.
"I wasn't thinking too much about this World Cup really, but due to my form later in the Bundesliga season it came to my attention that maybe I was a serious possibility," Halloran said.
"But I don't want to get too far ahead of myself because that's when it can get emotionally taxing.
"If you get cut and don't get to go to a World Cup it's obviously going to be pretty devastating for a player.
"I just need to keep working hard and hopefully I can get that ticket."
After another gruelling session in humid conditions in Sydney, Halloran likened Postecoglou's boot camp to the rigorous pre-season sessions he endured in Germany.
But he said the intense regime will hold them in good stead for the monumental challenge ahead of them at the tournament.
"Ange has specified a pretty specific philosophy that we want to adhere to," Halloran explained.
"In [Brazil] we want to play a fairly possession-based style of football that's pretty much what the training is based on at the moment.
"Everyone's got a clear idea.
"It's very exciting to be a part of all this but if your cut at the final hurdle it would be pretty disappointing. At the moment it's just exciting, just have to work hard and focus on a day-to-day basis."
Halloran was battling an ankle injury towards the end of the season in Germany but said it wasn't an issue now and he hopes to be involved against Bafana Bafana at ANZ Stadium on Monday.
Send Off the Socceroos
Socceroos vs South Africa, presented by NAB
Monday 26 May 2014
ANZ Stadium, Sydney
Kick-off: 7.30pm
Tickets from $30, including public transport. Buy now!
ABC Grandstand will have live coverage of the match from 1900-2135 AEST on ABC Grandstand Digital across Australia, online and via the phone app.
You can also tune in on digital SBS Radio 3 and SBS Radio 4, Digital TV, online at sbs.com.au/radio or via the SBS Your Language App.