A-League whiz-kid Nestory Irankunda on verge of becoming youngest Socceroo

With Riley McGree unavailable for Australia’s match against Ecuador on Friday night, a teenage star’s chances of making his Socceroos debut have improved.

Adelaide United’s Nestory Irankunda is a step closer to his first Socceroos cap. Picture: Sarah Reed/Getty Images

Teenage sensation Nestory Irankunda is a step closer to becoming the youngest Socceroo of all time after being officially added to Australia’s squad for Friday night’s match against Ecuador in Sydney.

The 17-year-old Adelaide United attacker had been initially chosen as a train-on player for the two-games series against the South Americans, who also meet the Socceroos at Marvel Stadium on Tuesday.

But with Middlesbrough midfielder Riley McGree ruled out of Friday’s clash due to illness, whiz-kid Irankunda has been elevated to the main squad.

“We only just saw (McGree) for the first time this morning,” Socceroos coach Arnold said on Thursday.

“He’s had the flu … so it gives Nestory the chance to be in the 26-man squad, and we’ll see how the game goes.”

Arnold said his team for the first game of the series would be a “blend” of players from Australia’s 2022 World Cup squad and some new faces, suggesting the likes of Melbourne City’s Jordan Bos and Manchester City’s Alex Robertson could be in line for their first caps.

Riley McGree will miss Australia’s game against Ecuador on Friday night. Picture: Ryan Pierse – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

Nestory Irankunda could be Australia’s youngest Socceroo. Picture: Sarah Reed/Getty Images

“I think there’s a good chance. Jordy has been doing exceptionally well at Melbourne City. It’s good to have experienced players around him to help,” the Socceroos mentor said.

“Alex Robertson, I’ve only had him in camp for two days but … he looks very calm and relaxed. He has a lot of qualities, and it’ll be good to see how he goes in the game.

“It’s a great opportunity to blend. I think if you just put the kids in all alone without the leaders it can be daunting, A good mixture and blend of players will be crucial.”

Arnold also confirmed that experienced defender Milos Degenek would start at right back on Friday, but Nathaniel Atkinson was likely to be used in the role on Tuesday.

Arnold said the “Welcome Home” series was a chance to celebrate the Socceroos’ achievement of reaching the round of 16 at last year’s World Cup but, more importantly, it kicked off Australia’s next campaign.

“It’s not about resting on our laurels. For me it’s about expecting more,” he said.

“I don’t think we’ll go through a tougher campaign in terms of what we had to do with Covid, but the way I see it going forward are the three main goals.

“The first one is (next year’s) Asian Cup. The expectations are there to be successful and do well.

“Second, it’s to qualify directly for the (2026) World Cup … and the third one is to go to do what we did (at Qatar 2022). and more at the next World Cup.

“I don’t think the messaging has changed too much.”

Socceroos v Ecuador

Friday, 8,10pm (AEDT)

CommBank Stadium

Originally published as A-League whiz-kid Nestory Irankunda on verge of becoming youngest Socceroo