First things first: O'Keefe keen to focus on NSW

O'Keefe and axed Test paceman Doug Bollinger were named yesterday in the Blues' 12-man Shield squad for the clash with Queensland at Blacktown, which begins on Saturday. But the 26-year-old spinner is not guaranteed a game because of the Blues' embarrassment of bowling riches.

Steve Smith's elevation to the Test squad has created an opening in the NSW XI, but with four in-form quicks and two spinners in the squad O'Keefe's fate is likely to rest on how the Blues' brains trust assess the Blacktown wicket.

''Hopefully this week out at Blacktown it's expected to turn,'' O'Keefe said. ''When you look at it, there could be potentially a quick that's won us matches [who could be left out the XI], either a Mark Cameron or a Trent Copeland, who have done exceptionally well the last few games this season. I'm thankful to be in the 12, to be honest, with such a talented group of guys.''

O'Keefe is in the peculiar position of being on the radar of national selectors but not being able to win a regular position in the NSW Shield side. He has played twice for Australia A this year, most recently last month, and performed outstandingly with bat and ball.

He claimed 7-35 and made 61 and 47 against Sri Lanka A, and dismissed Kevin Pietersen on his way to four wickets against England and hitting a valuable 66 in the first innings.

But O'Keefe, who made his international debut in a Twenty20 game against Pakistan this year, has not added to his 10 first-class matches and was last week usurped by Michael Beer, who is set to make his Test debut in Perth tomorrow.

While Brad Hodge has again vehemently criticised national selectors, O'Keefe harbours no ill-will towards NSW selectors.

''I try not to let too much get to me. I keep going back to the basis of how lucky I am to be a part of a 12 that's extremely talented,'' he said. ''I feel very lucky when I get picked for Australia A and go out there and play my best, and even if I'm 12th man for NSW I still have a lot of pride in that. I'm in no rush to go anywhere.

''If you get picked it's almost like an audition and you've got to do your best. And that's why we're playing successful cricket at the moment.

''I think that culture and motivation that's everyone's got has seen guys do well. If I'm 12th man then there's 11 other guys playing better cricket. I'm happy with that, if I get an opportunity again with Australi A, NSW or even if I play Future Leagues Cup I'll be trying to impress, it's all you can do.''

O'Keefe has noted Australia's recent fascination with left-arm finger spinners but is a ''firm believer it doesn't matter what spin you bowl, if you're the best spinner in the country you should get picked to represent your country''.

''Hilditch saying he likes left-armers, that's a positive thing, but it doesn't mean I can't do as well as a right-armer. Nathan's [Hauritz] set the benchmark already coming back and taking five-for, some crucial wickets last game against SA, for me that's my benchmark.''