Irankunda interest a positive for Socceroos boss
Anna Harrington |
News that big clubs are circling Socceroos phenomenon Nestory Irankunda is music to the ears of coach Tony Popovic.
Irankuna has blossomed under Popovic at international level and also made his mark in his first season at Watford, notching four goals and four assists in the English Championship, after moving on from Bayern Munich.
In recent days, that has prompted reports Premier League clubs like Everton and Crystal Palace hold interest in the attacker.
The 20-year-old will get the chance to put himself in the shop window at the World Cup, where Popovic is determined to give Irankunda the best chance to shine.
“We’ll see. I mean, that type of speculation is positive, so there’s nothing negative about that,” Popovic said on Monday ahead of travelling to Sarasota, Florida for a pre-World Cup training camp.
“So if the boy’s doing well and big clubs are looking at him, that’s wonderful. So we shouldn’t look at that as anything that’s not in a positive spirit.
“The boy will have a little break now and he’ll come in, and I think we know how talented he is. Exciting young player, he’s a wonderful young man, so I have a good relationship with him, and I don’t want to make too much of it.
“I just want him to come in and enjoy the journey towards the World Cup and try and make sure that he can be at his very best on the biggest stage.”
The Socceroos will also take confidence from the form of Mohamed Toure.
The 22-year-old striker scored 10 goals – including two hat-tricks – and notched three assists at Championship club Norwich after joining in January, despite missing several games with a groin injury.
“Exciting. Obviously I know that league very well, and I’ve seen a lot of the games that he’s played, and he looks full of confidence,” Popovic said.
“His team has really played well in the second half of the year.
“So they’ve done a great job, and I think that has really helped him to settle in quickly, scoring early, so he’s full of confidence and I look forward to seeing him soon.”
Irankunda, 20, and Toure, 22, headline the young talent in the mix along with 21-year-old Sydney FC midfielder Paul Okon Jnr.
Melbourne City phenomenon Marcus Younis, 20, could yet be called up while Colorado Rapids defender Lucas Herrington, 18, is already capped.
“When you look at these young boys and Lucas Herrington coming through, whether it’s now or in the future, that should be exciting, or Younis whether it’s now or in the future, that should be exciting for Australians,” Popovic said.
“Young ‘Junior’ – Paul Okon, he came in in June after playing for Benfica under 23, was in the squad, played in November, and looked like a young kid.
“(He) plays now in March, and looks like all the weight is off the shoulders and looks like a real Socceroo. So we’re seeing growth in these youngsters.
“Paulie should be the future of Socceroos for the next couple of World Cups, and should be the main midfielder there. So there’s a lot of excitement around that.”
The Socceroos play a friendly against Mexico in Los Angeles on May 31 – the last game before Popovic selects his squad on June 1.
Australia then play Switzerland on June 7 in San Diego.
The Socceroos face Turkey in Vancouver on June 14, the United States in Seattle six days later then Paraguay in Santa Clara on June 26 (all dates AEST).
AAP