MITCH Nichols admits he was probably too young to fully appreciate the significance of his first Socceroos cap more than two years ago.

Only 19 at the time, the Brisbane Roar attacking weapon was part of the Australian side that suffered a shock 1-0 Asian Cup qualifying loss to Kuwait in March, 2009 at Canberra Stadium.

Now 22 and perhaps in the best form of his life, Nichols is finally back on the Socceroos radar, currently in Sydney with a host of other A-League stars on a two-day training camp under the watchful eye of national team coach Holger Osieck.

"I was pretty young when I got my (Socceroos) opportunity," Nichols said.

"But now this Socceroos camp is another opportunity for me. Holger wants to see a few of us up close, which is great. It's up to me to take that chance now."

Just as he has been taking his chances in a rampant Roar side that tops the A-League with three wins from as many matches heading into Friday night's clash with Adelaide United at Suncorp Stadium.

Nichols has already scored twice this season, with his finishing, his increased awareness and his knack of finding space in the penalty area with superbly timed runs making him an attractive proposition to Osieck.

"I've worked hard in the off-season and started to get some consistency in my game. I want to score every week but if that's not possible, I just want to help the team win any way I can and chip in with goals when I can," the Palm Beach product said.

"It's good that I've also improved the defensive side of my game and my workrate. I'm the fittest I've ever been in my career and I'm going to get fitter."

Set to play a key role for the Australian under-23 team at next year's London Olympic Games should the Olyroos qualify, Nichols is already good enough to be playing his club football overseas, according to former Roar skipper Craig Moore.

Originally published as In-form Nichols back in 'Roos frame