Prodigy Nestory Irankunda having ‘amazing’ time with Socceroos

A Socceroos star says it’s crucial to have faith in Nestory Irankunda’s capability to have a long career with the national team.

Socceroos winger Nestory Irankunda (left) tries to get the better of Bangladesh’s Isa Faysal in Dhaka. Picture: Thananuwat Srirasant/Getty Images

Socceroos playmaker Ajdin Hrustic has urged Australia’s football community to be patient with teenage sensation Nestory Irankunda as he starts his career with the national team.

Bayern Munich-bound Irankunda made his Socceroos debut on Thursday night in Australia’s 2-0 win over Bangladesh in Dhaka.

The 18-year-old winger started the match, and while the hot conditions and heavy patch made it hard for him to shine, he played the pass that led to Australia’s opening goal from a Hrustic shot that took a wicked deflection off Bangladesh defender Mehedi Mithu on its way to the net.

Irankunda was eventually replaced in the 64th minute – with Australia leading 2-0 – by former prodigy Daniel Arzani.

“He started, he did well, and he’s learned a lot from his first cap, and I’m pretty sure there’s many more to come,” Hrustic said of Irankunda.

“He’s got talent, and I just think he needs time. He’s shown his quality, there’s no doubt about that.

“He’s only 18, so we should give him time, we should give him the trust.”

Hrustic said his pre-match message to Irankunda was “enjoy yourself”.

“You don’t know how many times you’re going to wear the green and gold, so enjoy every moment you get. Even if it’s a minute on the pitch, make sure you enjoy it,” he said.

Socceroos playmaker Ajdin Hrustic shoots to give Australia the lead after receiving a pass from Nestory Irankunda. Picture: Thananuwat Srirasant/Getty Images

Irankunda described Hrustic as a “wonderful guy” and said it was “amazing” being in camp with the national team.

“Hopefully, I get the chance to come to another because it’s been amazing, the best thing that’s happened to me in a long time,” the former Adelaide United star said ahead of the Socceroos’ clash with Palestine in Perth on Tuesday night.

“I’m really happy that (Socceroos coach) Graham Arnold’s had the belief in me to play me from the start.

“Hopefully, I get a few minutes at home in Perth and show the nation what I can do again.

“It would be unreal. I reckon I would do way better with the home crowd. It’s always tough to play away from home, and hopefully a lot of the fans turn up at HBF Park.

“I’ve always performed there, so hopefully I can perform there again if I get the chance.”

The Socceroos were due to arrive in Perth on Friday.

Regardless of Tuesday night’s result, the Australians have clinched top spot in their group for the AFC’s second round of FIFA World Cup qualifiers with a perfect record of 15 points from five matches.

Palestine is second in Group I, seven points adrift of the Socceroos, with both nations already having secured a spot in the third round of qualifiers.

Originally published as Prodigy Nestory Irankunda having ‘amazing’ time with Socceroos