JAMES Meredith reckons he will have to win promotion with City to earn another stab at international football.

The Australian left back has been in superb form for Stuart McCall’s unbeaten side so far.

But after winning two caps for his country last year, he continues to be overlooked by the Socceroos selectors.

At 28, Meredith admits he is possibly too old to feature in coach Ange Postecoglou’s plans.

Bournemouth’s Brad Smith, who started in Thursday’s 2-2 draw in Saudi Arabia, is six years younger. Back-up left back Alex Gersbach is only 19.

Meredith said: “Possibly they are looking for younger players, especially with a World Cup not being far away. We want to build them into that and they will probably think at that point 'James will be 30' and they will be looking towards that future.

“The boy Brad Smith is playing very well. Alex Gersbach is the number two and he is young and doing well at his club in the first division in Norway at Rosenborg.

“So it is a bit difficult unless one of them gets injured. But I certainly feel that I am more than capable that I can do a good enough, if not a better job.”

Meredith made his debut 11 months ago in a World Cup qualifier against Kyrgyzstan. He retained his place for the home game with Bangladesh but went off after an hour with a foot injury.

The Bantams defender has not been included since, missing out on the chance of facing England at the Stadium of Light at the end of last season.

He added: “At the time I was dropped, they said he (Postecoglou) is going to go for two younger options.

“So Jason Davidson and I both got dropped and from then on, there has not been much feedback.

"All I can do is my best on the pitch. I think if Bradford got promoted and I was playing regular Championship football, then I don't think they could overlook me.

“That's the aim for me. It would be brilliant to get another appearance.”

Australia, who host Japan in the next round of group qualifiers in Melbourne on Tuesday, remain on course to qualify for Russia in 2018.