Seven-cap international Gauci, who signed for Villa from Adelaide United nearly 18 months ago, is eager to make a case for more chances after being sent on loan to League One side Barnsley this season.
The 24-year-old played seven games across an injury-hit spell for the Tykes and described the physicality and "more direct" football of England's lower leagues as a "real eye opener".
But Villa's goalkeeping stocks are in a state of flux heading into the transfer window, with veteran back-up Robin Olsen to leave and starting 'keeper Emiliano Martinez linked with an off-season move.
Gauci had been viewed as Villa's third-choice goalkeeper prior to his loan move to Barnsley and played in cup matches for the first team.
But the South Australian is aware even if Argentinian international Martinez was to leave, Villa would likely bring a more experienced No. 1 in over the top of him.
"I'll go back and start pre-season at Villa and put my best foot forward and work hard and continue to develop," Gauci said from the Socceroos camp in Abu Dhabi.
"When it comes to my future and next season, I'm an Aston Villa player, and my main focus is to play for Aston Villa, whether that's next season or the years that follow.
"There's a lot of speculation in football, so that's out of my control. I guess there's no point, no point worrying about ifs and buts, he (Martinez) is contracted.
"If he was to leave they'll probably look at bringing in other goalkeepers and Robin Olsen's time at the club is coming to an end. There's opportunities … and it's up to me to take them."
Gauci has been undaunted by challenging more-established teammates for spots.
He was a surprise choice for Popovic's first three games at the helm, briefly ousting captain Maty Ryan before his hip injury prevented him from staking a claim for March's qualifying wins over Indonesia and China.
It remains to be seen whether Popovic will stick with Lens No.1 Ryan for the June 5 clash with Japan and the June 11 trip to Jeddah to face Saudi Arabia where two wins would guarantee the Socceroos a World Cup berth next year.
"Maty has been a fantastic mentor and role model, and younger me would be going crazy to say that he is able to compete for the No.1 spot for Australia," Gauci said.
"Everyone wants to put themselves in the best position to be up for selection when we qualify for the World Cup."
