Teenage sensation Nestory Irankunda has been omitted from the Socceroos squad for this month’s FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, but uncapped trio Max Balard, Anthony Caceres and Hayden Matthews have been named by national coach Tony Popovic.
The 26-man attacking squad also includes returning attackers Martin Boyle, Brandon Borrello and Kusini Yengi, as well as veteran defenders Milos Degenek and Rhyan Grant.
Apart from Irankunda, also left out from the squad named for last month’s games against China and Japan were attacking weapons Daniel Arzani, Apostolos Stamatelopoulos and Sam Silvera, midfielders Luke Brattan, Keanu Baccus and Gianni Stensness, and defender Thomas Deng.
“We’re in the early stages of this journey as a group and we’ll continue to implement the style of play that will be the foundation of our success throughout this cycle,” Popovic said.
“It’s an important series of fixtures and we’re looking forward to finishing off the year on the right note, and equally, putting on a strong performance for the people of Melbourne who have shown us such great support in recent years.”
Socceroos squad: Max Balard, Aziz Behich, Brandon Borrello, Jordy Bos, Martin Boyle, Cameron Burgess, Anthony Caceres, Milos Degenek, Mitchell Duke, Joe Gauci, Jason Geria, Craig Goodwin, Rhyan Grant, Ajdin Hrustic, Jackson Irvine, Paul Izzo, Hayden Matthews, Riley McGree, Lewis Miller, Aiden O’Neill. Kye Rowles, Mat Ryan, Harry Souttar, Nishan Velupillay, Patrick Yazbek, Kusini Yengi