DANNY INVINCIBLE has missed out on the chance to stake a claim for the start of Australia's 2006 World Cup qualifying campaign due to cash woes Down Under.

After two seasons of financial worries at club level, the 23-year-old is now feeling the effects of Soccer Australia's fight for survival.

Football's governing body in Australia is in financial strife and the need to tighten the belt has seen Invincible miss out on selection for a tournament which could prove a stepping stone to the World Cup in four years time.

The Town striker has endured a bitter-sweet summer so far after initially thinking he was part of Australia boss Frank Farina's plans for the Oceania Nations Cup in July, only to learn otherwise.

He said: "I received a letter saying I had been selected for a training camp ahead of the squad selection for the tournament.

"But I have now been told that I won't be considered.

"Apparently problems with Soccer Australia mean the manager is picking mostly Aussie-based players.

"It's disappointing to think you are in with a chance, only to then miss out.

"The competition may not be the World Cup but you should grasp any opportunity to play for your country and hopefully impress the manager.

"At least the fact that I received the initial invitation shows that someone has been keeping their eye on my progress."

As for the 2002 World Cup, Invincible was unlikely to have figured had Australia made it to this year's "party' now underway in Japan and South Korea. However, he is desperate not to miss out on the chance of being in contention for 2006.

He said: "Losing in the play-off to Uruguay was sickening. It would have made a huge difference to football in Australia had we made it to Japan and South Korea.

"We have to hope and believe that we will finally make the breakthrough next time and I'd love to be part of it.

"But the only way to ensure that happens is for me to make sure my performances attract attention.

"The next couple of years will be very important for me. I still have things to learn but I am confident in my own ability."

Manager Andy King was aware that Invincible's summer could have included international duties but had his reservations.

The Town boss was once picked for an England pre-season tour but chose to miss out.

He said: "I think you want to feel you are being selected on merit for the big occasion rather than feel you are just making up the numbers.

"In my case, the tour coincided with getting married. "Put it this way, if I had chosen to go, the tour would have lasted longer than my marriage!"

The Town ticket office will remain open until 8pm tomorrow and Friday for supporters wanting to take advantage of season ticket discounts. The office can be contacted on 01793 333777.