Socceroos coach Tony Popovic says he dropped Nestory Irankunda for two coming World Cup qualifiers in order for him to settle into new surroundings in Germany, saying that although he hadn’t spoken to the 18-year-old personally, the young forward has the support he needs.
Popovic has made several surprise selections among the 26-player squad, including calling up two uncapped A-League Men players and Max Balard, the defensive midfielder who has started well in his first season at NAC Breda in Holland.