Sydney FC signing Brett Emerton hopes he can make his A-League debut when the season kicks off on October 8. The Sky Blues take on arch rivals Melbourne Victory in their first game but Emerton may not feature as the Australian national team has a friendly against Malaysia in Canberra the day before.
The former Blackburn Rovers midfielder says he would love to play his first game for his new club against Socceroos teammate Harry Kewell and the Victory but insists he will respect the decision of Australia coach Holger Osieck if he is picked for the match which will be a precursor to a World Cup qualifier against Oman in Sydney four days later.
"Thankfully the decision about whether I can play or not is not mine to make and I'll wait to see what happens," he said.
"I have always said I love for playing for the National team and that hasn't changed. We'll wait and see but I'd love to play in the (Sydney FC v Melbourne Victory) match."
And Sydney coach Vitezslav Lavicka feels it would be great for football in Australia if Emerton and Kewell could face each other in the season opener at Etihad Stadium but again would respect the decision of Osieck.
"I think it would be very good for Sydney FC and also for football fans in the A-League if the two stars, Brett and Harry, who have come home to play in the A-League can play against each other in the first match," Lavicka said.
"I have been a National Coach (Czech Republic U21) before and I respect it is Holger's decision and it is difficult to keep clubs and the National Team both happy."