Socceroos coach Graham Arnold still to decide whether to start Nestory Irankunda in FIFA World Cup qualifier

Whether he plays from the opening whistle or comes off the bench, Nestory Irankunda seems certain to have an influence against Bahrain.

How to best use Nestory Irankunda against Bahrain on Thursday night remains a pleasant headache for Socceroos coach Graham Arnold.

The former A-League prodigy has arrived in Socceroos camp this week on the Gold Coast ready to shine for the national team after making an encouraging start to life at German giants Bayern Munich.

Arnold is certain to use Irankunda in the FIFA World Cup qualifier at Robina Stadium and is adamant the ex-Adelaide United winger will have an influence on the contest.

“It’s just a question at the moment if I’ll start him or not because obviously he can have a massive impact off the bench, maybe when the legs start going out of the opponent, but he’s also someone that can start and get us a goal early,” the Socceroos boss said on Wednesday.

“It’s something that we’ve got to think about and get sorted.”

Nestory Irankunda’s role is yet to be determined. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Arnold has been impressed by what he’s seen from Irankunda in camp this week.

“He feels from training at Bayern every day, he’s getting better and better, and he’s obviously excited to be here and to be with us, and we’re excited to have him because he brings something completely different,” he said of the 18-year-old attacking weapon.

“He looks really good. Mentally, you can see there’s a bit more belief. He actually feels he belongs because he’s been training with those (world-class) players, and he sees that he’s at the same level.

“Physically, obviously he’s still a kid, he’s got a lot of work to do.

“Tactically, he does what he’s told, and he’s got quite good discipline, which is great, and technically he’s good, so the mental aspect is the biggest thing. He’s really growing in that.”

Arnold was confident Irankunda could cope with the hype and not become another young Australian talent unable to “deal with the pressure” of an overseas move.

That sound 😍🔊

Lovely finish, Nestory 🙌

🇦🇺 v 🇧🇭 - 5.9.24, 8pm AEST#Socceroos#DifferentBreed#ExperienceGoldCoastpic.twitter.com/Ju35aENGm7

— Subway Socceroos (@Socceroos) September 4, 2024

“Sometimes it can have an affect on the player because I’ve seen players in the past that everyone was talking about, drooling about, and then all of a sudden they can’t deal with the pressure and they can’t deal with headlines,” he said.

“I’m excited to coach (Irankunda). I just want what’s best for the kid, and we’ll make sure that we get the right people around him, which is important, because he’s only 18 years of age.”

Other selection decisions Arnold needs to make include in the centre of defence, where the likes of Alessandro Circati, Harry Souttar, Cameron Burgess and Kye Rowles are vying for two spots.

Gold Coast-raised Rowles – who Arnold confirmed would start – is also an option to play at left-back.

Arnold said gaining automatic qualification to the 2026 World Cup by finishing in the top two of their AFC third-round group – that includes Japan and Saudi Arabia – was the Socceroos’ obvious goal.

“That’s what I’d love … but you’ve got to remember we have qualified for three of the last five (World Cups) through playoffs,” he said.

“What’s important is we qualify. Expectations are always high … but there is always that chance that it could be a playoff.”

Arnold ruled out Hibernian right-back Lewis Miller due to a knee issue that was exacerbated on his flight over from Scotland.

AFC third-round FIFA World Cup qualifier

Australia v Bahrain

Thursday, 8pm (AEST)

Robina Stadium

Possible Socceroos starting XI: Ryan, Deng, Souttar, Circati, Rowles, O’Neill, Irvine, Mabil, Goodwin, Irankunda, Duke.

Originally published as Socceroos coach Graham Arnold still to decide whether to start Nestory Irankunda in FIFA World Cup qualifier