After the toughest year of his career, the Central Coast defender capped a strong return to action for the Mariners with selection in the Australian squad for the match against Indonesia.

He is rated a strong chance to make his first international appearance. Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek is a fan of his creative play from the back.

He will be joined in the national squad by clubmates Matt Simon, Danny Vukovic and Dylan Macallister.

"It's been a long year so I'm very happy about getting a call up," said Heffernan, who was out of action for nearly a year after breaking his leg against Sydney 13 months ago.

"I was in the squad for a match against Argentina in Melbourne last year but didn't get on. That was a great experience and I'm happy Pim has given me another go. To get on next week would be a dream come true."

Heffernan returned to the Mariners A-League team last month after working his way back to fitness in the National Youth League.

His best match this season came against Melbourne last week. He was strong throughout and made several telling runs forward but the night ended in disappointing fashion when he was sent off for elbowing Melbourne captain Kevin Muscat.

He will miss Central Coast's crucial match against Adelaide at Gosford on Sunday and the first semi-final should the Mariners qualify for the finals.

The Mariners are in fourth place, only two points ahead of fifth-placed Wellington with one match to play.

"The intensity is there at training," Heffernan said. "I think the boys will get the job done on Sunday, they are all pumped."