Socceroos coach Graham Arnold has vowed to unleash teen sensation Nestory Irankunda for his senior international debut as Australia takes on Bangladesh in a World Cup qualifier in Dhaka at 8:45pm (AEST).
Although Arnold refused to divulge if Irankunda would start or come off the bench, he confirmed the youngster will feature at some stage.
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Irankunda, who is headed to German giants Bayern Munich, will no doubt relish the chance to run at Bangladesh’s backline given they have shipped 14 goals in their four World Cup qualifiers.
In fact, the Socceroos smashed their rivals 7-0 last time they met and one wouldn’t bet against a large scoreline when the Aussies take on the world No. 184 at the Bashundhara Kings Arena.
Aside from Australia eagerly waiting to catch Irankunda in action at some stage, the clash looms as a crucial opportunity for towering defender Harry Souttar to remind clubs of his ability.
Souttar was largely frozen out by Leicester City boss Enzo Maresca during the Foxes’ 23/24 campaign in which they topped the Championship and were promoted back to the Premier League.
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However, Maresca has since moved to Chelsea, leaving Souttar questioning whether he should stay or go as Leicester are yet to appoint a new manager.
Souttar has often been Arnold’s go-to man at centre back but with the rise of Alessandro Circati as well as Cameron Burgess impressing, the Leicester star may find himself dropped down the pecking order if he continues to struggle for minutes.
The contest also gives goalkeeper Joe Gauci some much-needed time between the sticks as regular gloveman was not included in the squad for the World Cup qualifiers.
Gauci has not played since moving from Adelaide United to Aston Villa but Arnold confirmed he would start ahead of Paul Izzo and Lawrence Thomas against Bangladesh.
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