His experiences at the Galaxy will mean Keat is unlikely to feel out of place alongside the likes of Ryan Nelsen and Shane Smeltz when he assembles in Auckland for the friendly international with Jamaica at Mt Smart Stadium on February 29.
Keat was the only newcomer in the 18-man squad announced yesterday by coach Ricki Herbert that was also notable for the exclusion of striker Rory Fallon.
Herbert has had Keat on his radar for some time and wants to see him first-hand. He comes in for veteran midfielder Simon Elliott who is missing due to a hernia complaint but unlikely to have been selected anyway.
"It's a chance for us to look at what Dan can do," Herbert said. "We already know what Simon can do.
"Dan's an exciting player and he will be hungry and keen. He's a good passer and is very good technically. It's not make-or-break for him but it's a chance for him to stamp his mark on this side."
Elliott remains in the background and is part of the wider squad but the 37-year-old has a limited future in the All Whites. Keat and Michael McGlinchey loom as the most likely successors and Keat is very much in Elliott's mold.
The pair are also friends, with Elliott's Chivas USA side sharing training facilities with Los Angeles.
"Simon and I get along really well and he's been invaluable for me in my first year of my [professional] career," Keat said. "I'm sure he will continue to be.
"I don't think he's given up [playing for New Zealand] just yet and has a bit left in him. He's a great professional and that showed with his performances at the World Cup. I will try to model my game at the international level on him if that's what is asked of me. I could do far worse than try to emulate Simon."
Keat made five MLS appearances for the Galaxy last season, when a fractured heal interrupted his season, but also played pre-season games against the likes of Manchester City and Real Madrid.
He's realistic enough to know he's likely to play a role off the bench in the upcoming MLS season but wants to become a regular starter.
"It's just a matter of getting an opportunity and taking it ... it's a little bit like this opportunity with the All Whites," he said.
One who won't get an opportunity against Jamaica is striker Rory Fallon. With a host of striking options, Herbert wanted to give youngster Chris Wood a chance to lead the line and he also has Smeltz, Chris Killen and Kosta Barbarouses at his disposal.
"Rory is still a key part of the squad," Herbert said. "I wasn't going to bring five strikers along and wanted to give Chris Wood a start."
All Whites squad:
Goalkeepers: Jake Gleeson (Portland Timbers, USA), Mark Paston (Wellington Phoenix).
Defenders: Tony Lochhead (Wellington Phoenix), Ryan Nelsen (captain, Tottenham Hotspur, ENG), Winston Reid (West Ham, ENG), Ben Sigmund (Wellington Phoenix), Tommy Smith (Ipswich Town, ENG), Ivan Vicelich (Auckland City).
Midfielders: Leo Bertos (Wellington Phoenix), Jeremy Brockie (Newcastle Jets, AUS), Tim Brown (Wellington Phoenix), Dan Keat (Los Angeles Galaxy, USA), Michael McGlinchey (Central Coast Mariners, AUS), Marco Rojas (Melbourne Victory, AUS).
Forwards: Kosta Barbarouses (Alania Vladikavkaz, RUS), Chris Killen (Shenzhen Ruby, CHN), Shane Smeltz (Perth Glory, AUS), Chris Wood (Bristol City, ENG).
