Rising Socceroos star Michael Thwaite is eyeing a transfer from his Romanian club to a bigger European league to cap off a stunning 12 months in which he has gone from obscurity to being an integral part of Australia's World Cup finals bid.

The 22-year-old defender, originally from Cairns, looks likely to leave his club National Bucharest when the European transfer window opens in January as he seeks a move to a bigger stage.

And Thwaite could find himself thrust into the perfect shop window to showcase his emerging talent if Socceroos manager Guus Hiddink decides to give the defender a starting role in Sunday's World Cup playoff against Uruguay in Montevideo.

"I will be making a move, hopefully progressing to a bigger club because I want to keep moving forward," said Thwaite, who played in the NSL with Sydney side Marconi after playing his junior football in Far North Queensland.

"From what I've heard from Guus (Hiddink) and Arnie (Socceroos assistant coach Graham Arnold), they don't want me to take a step back - somewhere that's going to be a progression for me and I think that's important as well."

Less than 18 months ago, Thwaite was overlooked by then-Australian coach Frank Farina for the national under-23 squad for the Olympic Games.

Now he has fought his way into the reckoning for Australia's most important soccer matches in four years - making an impressive full international debut last month in Australia's 5-0 thumping of Jamaica.

Thwaite played in a back-three, looking comfortable, composed and not at all out of place.

He has impressed coaching staff and teammates alike with his ability and looms as a selection wildcard for either leg with regular centre-back Craig Moore out injured and question marks over the fitness and form of several other defensive candidates.

Thwaite admits being left out of the Olyroos team was a major spur to help propel his rise through the ranks.

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