Ibini was one of 23 players selected by Australia coach Ange Postecoglou for the international matches against United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi on 11 October (AEST) and Qatar in Doha four days later.

Ibini, who is on loan to Sydney from his Chinese club Shanghai East Asia, will miss the Sky Blues' opening A-League match against Melbourne City but he's not complaining after getting closer to realising his dream of playing for the Socceroos.

"I'm very delighted and happy to be in the Socceroos squad, especially since it's the first time," Ibini said.

"I got a call from the team manager on Wednesday evening saying I was in the squad.

"Playing for your country is the highest honour for any footballer so this is another step for me. I'm excited."

Ibini is not looking too far ahead but he did concede he would treat it as the pinnacle of his career if he were to be selected in Postecoglou's squad for the AFC Asian Cup in Australia in January.

"Taking part in the Asian Cup would be the height of my career so far," Ibini said.

"It would give me a great buzz."

Ibini said he was looking forward to meeting the Socceroos in camp in October, particularly because he will get the chance to meet star striker Tim Cahill for the first time.

"I have never met Tim and it would be a thrill just to train with him, let alone play alongside him," Ibini said.

"He is a Socceroos hero and I can't wait to meet him and learn a few things from him.

"I am keen to get a taste of the international set-up and meet the other great players in the Socceroos squad."

Ibini paid tribute to Sydney coach Graham Arnold, who was also his mentor at Central Coast Mariners, for helping his development as a player.

"Arnie gave me my first professional contract and helped me develop in my career," he said.

"I got a lot of help from him and from the other coaches at the Mariners."

Arnold is not surprised by his national call-up.

"He's a fantastic kid and a great professional," Arnold said.

"He's gone through a difficult period losing his dad last year and I know his father would be extremely proud of him, as I am.

"I might be biased but I do believe his selection has been a long time coming.

"He's one of a handful of players in the A-League who gets fans off their seats.

"His challegne now is to go to the next level and he definitely has the tools to do so."

Postecoglou is impressed with Ibini's pre-season form and the general improvement in his attacking game.

"He is the kind of footballer who could fit well with the type of football we are trying to play," he said after announcing his 23-member squad.

"He could be a good fit moving forward and it makes sense to give an opportunity to guys like that in these games."