Socceroos great Robbie Slater believes the decision to drop Nestory Irankunda from the national side is a significant risk

The omission of the prodigiously talented 18-year-old Nestory Irankunda from an extended 26-man Socceroos squad is perhaps using a firm hand when a cuddle is more appropriate, says Socceroos great Robbie Slater.

Socceroos coach Tony Popovic’s decision to drop Nestory Irankunda from Australia’s squad is not only a surprise but also a risk.

Not a gamble in the sense of what it might mean in the upcoming games against Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, but a risk in how it will affect the confidence of the prodigious 18-year-old talent.

Past experiences should have Popovic aware of the need to give the sometimes fragile Irankunda a cuddle, and reassure him of his importance and value to club and international teams.

Robbie Slater believes Tony Popovic is taking a risk with Irankunda. Picture: Hiroki Watanabe/Getty Images

Being omitted from an extended 26-man Socceroos squad is likely to instead lead to Irankunda questioning his worth to the national team’s cause, which could also affect his club form with German giants Bayern Munich, where he plays for the club’s second team.

In explaining his decision to omit Irankunda from his latest squad, Popovic spoke of the need for Irankunda to “settle” at Bayern Munich.

However, the former Adelaide United star has been with Bayern since June, so surely if he hadn’t already settled, he would have already returned home to Australia.

Let’s hope Irankunda’s confidence isn’t totally shattered from this selection setback.

The main risk is that Irankunda’s confidence takes a shattering hit. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

We all want him to succeed in Europe and be a key part of the Socceroos’ plans for the 2026 World Cup and beyond.

As for the rest of Popovic’s latest squad, it’s hard to argue with the players he has selected.

Some might say that eight changes to a contingent that secured four points from a possible six during last month’s international window is too many.

However, you must remember that Popovic is still relatively new in the role, and is attempting to find the balance of picking a winning team with the need to have a look at some new players during an extended period in camp.

Four of the players dropped from the squad selected for last month’s games against China and Japan – Daniel Arzani, Sam Silvera, Apostolos Stamatelopoulos and Gianni Stensness – weren’t used at all in either match.

Perhaps then, it’s time for Popovic to see some other players, while maintaining the core of the squad, hence the selection this time of uncapped trio Max Balard, Hayden Matthews and Anthony Caceres, who all deserve the opportunity that has been presented to them.

It’s now up to those three, plus recalled quintet Brandon Borrello, Martin Boyle, Milos Degenek, Rhyan Grant, Hayden Matthews and Kusini Yengi, to make the most of the chance they have been given.

And that’s not only in matches, as there is no guarantee they will get game time. It’s also in training sessions during camp, which could dictate whether they are part of the next squad.

Originally published as Socceroos great Robbie Slater believes the decision to drop Nestory Irankunda from the national side is a significant risk