BRAD Smith is desperate to reach the World Cup with Australia and says getting to Russia 2018 would fulfil a lifelong dream.

Cherries' summer recruit is part of the Socceroos squad due to open their Group B qualifying campaign against Iraq in Perth on Thursday (4.30am BST).

Joined in the Australia set-up by Cherries goalkeeper Adam Federici, Penrith-born Smith is keen to get his country's qualifying bid off to flier.

Asked about reaching the World Cup, he said: "That would be the best thing in my career. It's what you would love to do.

"As a boy, you dream of going to a World Cup with the country you were born in. It's a chance for us, we have a very good squad and we can do it."

Up to four Cherries players could be in action in international fixtures tonight.

Harry Arter, Marc Wilson and Eunan O'Kane are all in the Republic of Ireland squad for the friendly against Oman (7.45pm).

Ireland star Robbie Keane looks set to bring down the curtain on a goals-laden international career in the clash in Dublin.

Meanwhile, Joshua King will hope to feature when Norway take on visitors Belarus in another friendly fixture.

Smith was speaking to The Satellite.