Adelaide United prodigy Nestory Irankunda a chance to debut for the Socceroos against Ecuador

Teenage star Nestory Irankunda is in contention to debut for Australia this month against Ecuador along with a Manchester City young gun.

Adelaide United prodigy Nestory Irankunda is a “train=on” member of the Socceroos squad. Picture: Sarah Reed/Getty Images

Teenage sensation Nestory Irankunda is on the verge of a shock Socceroos debut despite not being officially named in Australia’s squad for this month’s two-game series against Ecuador.

The 17-year-old Adelaide United prodigy. who has taken the A-League by storm, will instead link with the squad as a “train-on” player.

The latest Socceroos squad includes 20 members of the 26-man Australian squad that reached the knockout stages of last year’s World Cup as well as uncapped Alexander Robertson from Manchester City.

Arnold said midfielder Robertson’s selection was proof that he was ready to commit to Australia despite also being eligible to represent England, Scotland and Peru.

“I’ve probably been talking to him for over 18 months and it was a matter of just one step at a time,” Arnold said.

“This time when I called him and told him I wanted to pick him for the squad for these Ecuador games. straight away it was ‘Arnie I can’t wait’. He’s looking forward to it so much.

“It’s great that the kid, I do believe, is aligning himself now with Australia. and I’m pretty sure once he puts that Socceroos shirt on and feels the emblem on his heart that there’s only one nation he will play for.”

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Arnold is considering giving teenage attacking weapon Irankunda game time during the series, which is made up of matches in Sydney on March 24 and Melbourne four days later.

“He’s got these special qualities (for) a kid at the age of 17 ... the physique on him, the speed on him – it’s exciting,” Arnold said.

“He’s coming in for an experience but that’s not ruling out game time.

Nestory Irankunda celebrates scoring a goal for Adelaide United. Picture: Scott Gardiner/Getty Images

“He’s in there as a train-on (player) at this moment, but there are two games, (and) that the back-up (time between) the games is very short.

“We play (on a) Friday, (and then) Tuesday, and there’ll be a good chance for the second game especially that he’ll be in the squad.”

However, regardless of whether Irankunda plays., Arnold hopes the experience of rubbing shoulders with Socceroos stars will be of benefit to the player and Adelaide United.

“I want him to learn quickly and also to help Adelaide with that. That he sees what it takes from an Aaron Mooy. or from a Jackson Irvine ... to get to that level.

“It’s not only just on the field, it’s off the field, the behaviour but also how Maty (Ryan) and Aaron and these guys who have been professionals for a long time have achieved these things. (and) what it takes day to day to be a professional footballer.

“I think he will learn very quickly.”

The latest Socceroos squad includes 20 members of the 26-man Australian squad that reached the knockout stages of last year’s World Cup.

Missing from the squad that was in Qatar are injured trio Mat Leckie, Ajdin Hrustic and Jamie Maclaren, goalkeeper Danny Vukovic, who has retired from international football, right back Fran Karacic and left back Joel King.

Long-term casualty Martin Boyle, who was a late World Cup squad omission due to a knee serious injury, remains sidelined.

Coming into the squad are Adelaide United keeper Joe Gauci, Melbourne City pair Aiden O’Neill and Jordan Bos, Western Sydney Wanderers star Brandon Borrello, Germany-based midfielder Connor Metcalfe and Manchester City’s Alexander Robertson.

Arnold said midfielder Robertson’s selection was proof that he was ready to commit to Australia despite also being eligible to represent England, Scotland and Peru.

Socceroos squad: Nathaniel Atkinson, Keanu Baccus, Aziz Behich, Brandon Borrello, Jordan Bos, Jason Cummings, Milos Degenek, Thomas Deng, Cameron Devlin, Mitchell Duke, Joe Gauci, Craig Goodwin, Jackson Irvine, Garang Kuol, Awer Mabil, Riley McGree, Connor Metcalfe, Aaron Mooy, Aiden O’Neill, Andrew Redmayne, Alexander Robertson, Kye Rowles, Mat Ryan, Harry Souttar, Marco Tilio, Bailey Wright. (Nestory Irankunda has been named as a train-on player).

Originally published as Adelaide United prodigy Nestory Irankunda a chance to debut for the Socceroos against Ecuador