Lowry hopes to follow Millwall trio

The Perth-born 23-year-old, who represented Republic of Ireland at Under-17 and Under-21 level before declaring his allegiance to Australia, has his sights set on one main goal - playing for his country at senior level.

While the Socceroos prepare for Friday morning's (AEST) friendly international against Lebanon at the Saida Municipal Stadium, followed five days later by the vital 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Jordan in Amman, Lowry is back in London dreaming about forcing his way into the contention for Brazil.

And he believes if he can duplicate some of the achievements of Cahill, Neill and Muscat during their years in south London at a Championship club known more for the ferocity of its fans than the finesse of its football, he will be heading in the right direction.

Cahill left an indelible mark, scoring the goal against Sunderland in 2004 which sent the Lions roaring into the FA Cup final and amassing 249 games before going on to hit the big time at Everton.

Hardman Muscat, whose take-no-prisoners approach made him a favourite with fans, was part of that 2004 FA Cup adventure but the Millwall skipper missed the final after being injured against the Black Cats in the semi.

Neill was the forerunner, racking up 152 appearances between 1998-2001 for the eternally unfashionable club before switching to the Premier League with Blackburn Rovers.

"There's a great tradition of Australians at this club and if it can lead me to where it has led the likes of Lucas and Tim then that would be a dream," said Lowry, who has accumulated 25 appearances since his January move from Aston Villa after previous loans spells at Plymouth Argyle, Leeds United, Sheffield United and the Lions.

"All three are well remembered and respected at the club and people still talk about them.

"The way I play seems to suit the club. I am playing every week and that's been good for me."

Lowry is itching to get a chance to show Holger Osieck that he has something to offer, saying: "I would love one day to play for Australia at senior level; it's something I am definitely aiming for.

"Under Pim Verbeek I got in a few squads and I was in the final 27 players for the 2010 World Cup before it was trimmed back.

"All I can do now is focus on Millwall and hope that I can get noticed at some stage.

"I went to a training camp in Germany last year with a lot of the Australian players, including Chris Herd and Ryan McGowan, but other than that I've had no further contact with the hierarchy.

"But I definitely haven't given up hope and I'm going to keep plugging away and my chance may come one day."

While the debate rages around an ageing centre-half pairing for Australia in Lucas Neill and Sasa Ognenovski, Lowry has respect for his elders, saying: "People talk about an ageing defence but there is still a lot of quality there.

"Lucas is the captain of our country and he still has a lot to offer and as does Sasa and you have to give them their due."

Lowry is one of a number of budding centre-backs awaiting their chance to succeed the venerable duo, with Matthew Spiranovic (24) at the head of the queue, followed by Korea Republic-based Luke DeVere (22), not to mention Middlesbrough’s Rhys Williams who was earmarked as a stopper for his club this season before breaking down with an ankle injury.

There is now even the emergence of Curtis Good, signed to Newcastle United on a six-year deal, to be taken into account.

"To be honest, in my case I am right now a little bit inexperienced in that centre-back position but I am learning all the time and playing regular football at a decent level in the Championship is a big help," said Lowry.

"They say you peak at around 27, so I have a fair way to go yet. It's up to me to force my way into contention over the next year or so."