Adam Federici is stung by the sudden departure from South Africa of his goalkeeping mate Brad Jones but ready to step up if his country needs him at the World Cup.

"It's a very sad story and we all send our wishes and support to him," Federici said of the serious family illness that forced Jones to pull out of the Socceroo camp this week.

"It was obviously very hard for him, but I want to respect his privacy and I don't want to say too much about it."

The 25-year-old keeper for Reading in England's second-tier championship acknowledges his lack of international experience - just 45 minutes in last month's friendly against New Zealand in Melbourne.

But if there was any doubt about it before, he now automatically becomes the number two keeper to Mark Schwarzer, and he is raring to go.

"I don't want to put a number on it, but if I'm needed I'm ready," Federici said.

"I love playing in big games and there is no greater occasion than the World Cup.

"I am looking forward to supporting Mark 100 per cent.

"It's a team game and we need him to do well.

"But if I get my chance now, I'll take it with both hands."

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