Kantarovski is part of 20-man squad which goes into camp in Dubai ahead of the crucial Olympic Games qualifiers against Uzbekistan in Tashkent on February 5 and United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi on February 22.

The 20-year-old has not represented Australia since he captained the Young Socceroos in their failed campaign in Colombia in July.

The tournament was his first competition back from a knee reconstruction, and he was clearly underdone.

The poor showing impacted on his confidence, which carried over to the start of the A-League season.

He spent the first half of the season on the fringes but has started in the past seven games after a fall-out between coach Gary van Egmond and veteran playmaker Kasey Wehrman.

‘‘Playing games consistently has been a major factor,’’ Kantarovski said. ‘‘Going back to the World Cup, I wasn’t quite fit, wasn’t quite ready and just wasn’t there at all.

‘‘Viddy [coach Aurelio Vidmar] likes to pick players who have been playing regularly.

‘‘Obviously, it is good to have those games to back me up going into the camp.’’

Jets coach Gary van Egmond said playing matches was always going to be the key for Kantarovski but said he was still a work in progress. He did not rule out a stint for the Jets youth team in the State League this winter.

‘‘He had that much time out, he needs games, he needs training, and to keep working with him,’’ the coach said.

It will be Kantarovski’s second trip to Uzbekistan.

‘‘With the Joeys we had our [World Cup] qualifying tournament there and were there for a month.

‘‘This time it is only four days. It is a different experience, it is a totally different lifestyle.’’

The Olyroos are third in their pool and need to win both games to finish top and qualify directly for London.

If they finish second, they face play-offs from March 25 to 29 against representatives of the African Confederation for an Olympic berth.

‘‘It has always been on my list, to play at an Olympics,’’ said Kantarovski, who has played at under-17 and two under-20 World Cups.

‘‘But we can’t think too far ahead. We just have to concentrate on the first game and make sure we get a result against Uzbekistan.’’

The Olyroos go back into camp in Dubai between the two qualifiers, meaning Kantarovski will miss four A-League games.