Fairfax Media understands the 35-year-old was set to be selected for the upcoming World Cup qualifier against Saudi Arabia, a friendly against Brazil and the 2017 Confederations Cup on the back of his form in the Eredivisie, but he sought an assurance he would be the first-choice goalkeeper before making himself available.

Sources suggest Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou did not provide any such assurance - he rarely does for any player - especially given the form of incumbent pair Mat Ryan and Mitch Langerak as well as Sydney FC's Danny Vukovic. Swansea's back-up Mark Birighitti was selected as the fourth goalkeeper in the preliminary squad of 30.

In a 10-year career with the national team, Jones made just four appearances for Australia and sources suggest he wanted guarantees of game time before accepting a call-up. Jones was selected for one match under the tenure of Postecoglou, a 3-4 defeat to Ecuador in 2014 where Jones played 30 minutes as a second-half substitute, the last of his four appearances for Australia. He earned his first call-up in 2004 but had to wait another three years before making his debut, playing half a game in a friendly against New Zealand.

The former Middlesbrough, Liverpool, Derby and NEC Nijmegen goalkeeper has spent the bulk of his career as a back-up choice but is enjoying a resurgence at Feyenoord. He flourished as a first-choice in Rotterdam, guiding Feyenoord to their first title in 18 years and was recently rewarded with a two-year contract extension.

Australian winger Mathew Leckie sealed his future before the start of the European transfer window after signing a four-year deal with Bundesliga club Hertha Berlin, leaving relegated club Ingolstadt for a $4.5 million transfer fee. The 26-year-old turned down a number of rival clubs, including 1.FC Koln to join the UEFA Europa League-bound club who finished sixth in this year's Bundesliga. It's understood Hertha are considering turning Leckie into a fullback instead of playing him in his usual role as a wide forward.

"I had a few offers. Hertha stood out for various reasons," Leckie said. "Hertha is a big, fantastic Bundesliga club. They've been very successful over the last two seasons, now they are playing in the Europa League ... I also think that Pal Dardai is a great coach who I can learn a lot from."

Leckie is regarded as one of the quickest players in the Bundesliga, hitting speeds of 35km/h at full pace, but he was criticised for his conversion rate, failing to convert any of his 46 attempts on goal. Hertha Berlin coach Pal Dardai hinted at a supporting role in attack, rather than being the focal point, is a likely for Leckie.

"Leckie is a versatile player and has shown that he has the pace to bomb up and down the flanks and that will benefit us a lot when it comes to attacking," he said.