To see the Socceroos train in Sydney yesterday...

The 2011 Asian Cup kicks off in the first week in January and runs throughout a crucial post-Christmas period for most clubs in Europe.

And with the Socceroos likely to take a strong squad with a view to winning the Cup, there could be an interesting club v country battle looming for many of our high-profile players who could be away for up to five weeks.

The 2011 Asian Cup could also disrupt A-League clubs such as Brisbane (Matt McKay), Gold Coast (Michael Thwaite) and Sydney FC (Alex Brosque), but it will be also be an interesting test-case for European clubs.

Speaking after a lively training session in Sydney, the Hull City attacking midfielder said if selected, he won’t be thinking twice about leaving mid-season from his English Championship club.  

“I don’t think they’ve got a choice,” Garcia said of European clubs. “It’s a FIFA date so as far as we’re concerned we have to go.

“I’m sure the clubs won’t be too happy but the African players have to do it for the African Nations Cup and why shouldn’t we do it for the Asian Cup?”

The former West Ham and Colchester player added that the Asian Cup was as important as the European Championships and felt it should be held in the same regard.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity and it’s something we want to show ourselves at as a good footballing nation," he said. "You’ve got to think about whether you want to play for your club or country.”

Garcia - who’s made nine appearances in the green and gold including at the 2010 World Cup starting against Germany and a sub role against Serbia - didn’t play in the last Asian Cup in 2007, which was played during the European off-season.

An at-times shambolic campaign under temporary coach Graham Arnold came to an end at the quarter final stage against nemesis Japan in Hanoi.

The 29-year-old is hoping to right those wrongs and says and after debuting back in 2008 against South Africa he wants the Cup to press his future claims ahead of Brazil 2014.

He added: “It’s a fine balance and sometimes it’s up to the clubs to understand that the national team comes first.”

To see the Socceroos train in Sydney yesterday...