BERNIE Ibini has come through the toughest 18 months of his life - which saw him cut short his time in China to return home to his family after his father passed away - to emerge as a bolter for the Socceroos’ Asian Cup squad.

Ange Postecoglou has identified the 22-year-old as a potential attacking weapon for the green and gold and the good news for Socceroos fans is he believes he can go to “another level” at Sydney FC this season.

Ibini, a striker who can play out wide and is blessed with height and wonderful speed, was selected by Postecoglou on Thursday and has an opportunity to show he can challenge Robbie Kruse and Ben Halloran for a spot on Australia’s right wing.

It presents a big few months for him, as he embarks on life at a new A-League club, on loan at Moore Park from Shanghai East Asia, who allowed the youngster to return home after his father passed away.

Indeed, the call-up to the national squad is a sign of Ibini’s maturity and vindication for his hard work during a trying and testing period, where he toiled alone in China, returned home to be with his grieving family, returned to Central Coast before leaving for Sydney FC, after scoring six goals in 16 games upon returning to Gosford last term.

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“(The last 18 months) have been very hectic, also with off-field stuff happening,” Ibini told foxsports.com.au. “For me, just to be close to home and have some stability has been very good for me.”

“Being away in China, being by myself, I had to grow up a lot. Then coming home, with what happened, I just think it’s made me grow as a person on and off the field.

Ibini with his brothers Joshua and Pharrell. Source: Supplied

“I don’t think many people would go through what I’ve been through at this age. Me being the oldest person in my family as well (with three siblings) – it’s been tough, but I’ve been able to come through it. I’ve learnt a lot and made me a lot stronger.”

Ibini added: “It definitely puts football into perspective. Not everything is about football. There’s family and stuff like that as well. It’s made me a stronger person and hopefully it can help me in my career.”

Ibini joins a Sydney FC attacking battalion boasting pace, pedigree and A-League know-how.

But while the flyer has always been blessed with pace, he now believes consistency, and continued tutelage under Graham Arnold, will help take him to another level.

Sydney FC’s Bernie Ibini. Source: News Corp Australia

After bright FFA Cup and pre-season displays, his selection in Postecoglou’s squad before a ball has been kicked in anger in the A-League this term shows he’s well and truly on the Asian Cup radar.

And when asked if we’ll see him step up another gear in sky blue, Ibini replied: “I think so, definitely.

“I’ve grown during the off-season. Hopefully I can go to another level and play even better.”

His aims?

“Being an attacking player, you want to get on the scoresheet. You want to provide assists. I want to at least get into double digits for goals,” he said

While Ibini surprised some Mariners fans by moving to the club’s rivals, the lure of working under Arnold again proved too much to resist.

Ibini in his Mariners days. Source: News Corp Australia

“It was definitely a massive part,” he added. “Coming through the Mariners I had him straight away (in the youth team) and he brought me through.

“Having his tactical knowledge, and the man management he has, it’s always been very good for me. Hopefully we can continue that in Sydney.”