Heffernan, 27, is one of five Hyundai A-League players included in Graham Arnold’s 21-man squad, which also features Socceroo icons Lucas Neill, Mark Bresciano and Mark Schwarzer.

Barely one week after his encouraging return to the Hyundai A-League against Sydney FC at the Sydney Football Stadium, Heffernan is now on course to be rubbing shoulders with some of the luminaries of world football.

Barcelona starlet Lionel Messi, Manchester United attacker Carlos Tevez and new Real Madrid signing Gabriel Heinze have each been included in Argentina’s line up to face the Socceroos in front of an expected sell out crowd at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

"We were adamant when negotiating with Dean to return to the Mariners that his chances of Socceroo selection were greater if he was playing in Australia," said Gorman.

"We’re delighted to see his name alongside some of the country’s top talent today.

"Dean is without question one of Australia’s outstanding and most exciting defensive prospects and I have no doubt that he will wear the green and gold with distinction if given the opportunity next month."

He is the fourth Mariners player to have been called up to a Socceroos camp since the inception of the Hyundai A-League, following on from Michael Beauchamp, Danny Vukovic and Tony Vidmar.

"This is a tremendously exciting time for Dean and for the Central Coast Mariners and the entire club is thrilled that he has received this richly deserved recognition," said Gorman.

"Dean’s experience on the world stage against a truly world class opposition in Argentina will only serve to benefit both his own professional development, and our club."