Bernie Ibini is set to make his Socceroos debut in next month's friendlies in the Middle East but his selection will spark a row between club and country as Sydney FC are furious about having to go without their star forward for up to two A-League games.

Fairfax Media understands Ibini will likely be selected by Ange Postecoglou for the friendlies against the UAE in Abu Dhabi on October 11 and against Qatar in Doha four days later. A call-up would rule him out of Sydney's opening game of the season against Melbourne City, and may also jeopardise his participation in the Sydney derby in round two due to fatigue.

Club versus country: Sydney FC recruit Bernie Ibini. Credit:Peter Rae

Ibini is one of a number of A-League players who are all but certain to be on the list in the next Socceroos squad announcement as Postecoglou aims to boost the player pool for next year's Asian Cup on home soil. His selection in the national team, alongside the likes of Melbourne Victory captain Mark Milligan, again questions whether the A-League should break for FIFA international dates.

Unlike most leagues around the world, the A-League does not break for international games. There has been a long-held argument between clubs and Football Federation Australia over calls for scheduling changes. Sydney FC may be the next club to enter the debate as they prepare to lose almost their entire strike force in the coming months due to international duty.