Sydney-born 29-year-old Jovanovic was named four times in the K-League Team of the Week in the final eight rounds of the season as Jeju United finished the campaign in strong form.
Jovanovic has never previously received a call-up for any Australia under-age representative squads, let alone a senior Socceroos squad.
He told The World Game that the last time he’d received any contact from Football Federation Australia was an email in 2014 when he first moved to Korea to join Jeju.
The APIA Leichhardt and Parramatta Eagles junior makes a case after four seasons in the strong K-League, including two AFC Champions League campaigns.
“I respect Arnold’s decision but I’m wanting to say I’m available and in form,” Jovanovic said.
“I’ve played in Korea for five years. I think that’s the highest level in Asia.
"I’ve played in the Champions League. The next step is the national team. Why not?
“Playing against Asian opponents, my specialty would be against the Koreans, as I know most of the Korean national team squad in person.
“Why not, with those attributes? I could help the team in many ways as I know the opponents’ strengths and weaknesses and can deliver on the field.
“I feel I’ve ticked all the boxes and I’m waiting for the next challenge.”
Jovanovic, who also holds Serbian citizenship, returned to Sydney on Saturday morning and is keeping himself fit with the remote hope of a shock call-up.
Australia has numerous central defensive options, including Trent Sainsbury, Mark Milligan, Milos Degenek, Matthew Jurman and Bailey Wright, but there may be an opportunity if depth is needed.
The 1.96m defender had battled a calf injury in the first half of the 2018 season but the door opened for him at Jeju following the sale of Oh Ban-Suk to UAE club Al Wasl in September.
Jovanovic didn’t look back, helping Jeju reverse some poor form which included a 15-game winless run, before finishing the season impressively in the Championship Round among Korea’s other top six clubs.
“It was the last eight games we conceded only two goals and in four of those games I was in the Team of the Round,” he said.
“I read an article about Arnold saying there’s still six spots up for grabs in the Asian Cup. I thought to myself: I’m in prime form and I can’t do much more. I hope he’d have a look.
“I’ve had no indication I’m being considered and if it wasn’t for my form I’d give it a miss.
“But I think selection is often based on form and I’ve done the job in that department.”
Jovanovic is now off-contract and on his club future said for the time-being he preferred to remain in the K-League and wasn’t weighing up any A-League offers.
“I cannot say much at the moment,” he said. “It’s early but I’m in strong talks with Jeju and a few other clubs in Korea. I’d like to stay in Korea.”
Arnold will name his Socceroos squad for the Asian Cup on Thursday.
