Nestory Irankunda has the football world at his feet.
The Tanzanian-born teenager has been called up to Australia's national side at just 17 years of age -- after taking the A-League by storm.
"I was a bit shocked, I didn't think it would come this early but I'm just happy they've given me the opportunity to go with the squad," Irankunda said.
"To have Mat Ryan, to have all those players there to give me advice on what to do, what not to do, it's going to be crazy for me."
Irankunda has scored four goals for the Reds so far this season, three in his past three games.
It has caught the attention of Socceroos coach Graham Arnold – who has selected him as a train-on player ahead of Australia's two friendly matches against Ecuador next week.
Arnold has even hinted that Irankunda could get some game time -- if so, he would become the youngest Socceroo in history.
"He's got these special qualities [for] a kid at the age of 17 … the physique on him, the speed on him – it's exciting," Arnold said.
"He's coming in for an experience but that's not ruling out game time."
Irankunda says if he does get a game, he wants to score.
"If I do play against Ecuador, I guess, I want to try my hardest to get a goal and help the team out, obviously," he said.
"It would just be a really good opportunity for me and my family and the club, to have me playing for the Socceroos at such a young age."
Irankunda will be joined in the national squad by Adelaide United captain Craig Goodwin and goalkeeper Joe Gauci.
Goodwin has backed the teenager to have an impact.
"It's hard to say exactly what heights Nestory will reach but if he can continue to keep doing what he's doing he has the potential to go to the very top," Goodwin said.
"I think he's definitely blessed and gifted with the physical attributes that any other player would kill for at his age.
"To have that power, that speed that he has is a fantastic attribute.
"But for him, it's about getting everything else right and making sure he's doing the right things."
If Irankunda's performances continue, it is likely teams in Europe will come calling.
He admits his dream is to one day play for Barcelona -- but says his focus for now is on his Adelaide United career.
Used mainly as a substitute by coach Carl Veart this season, he has declared himself fit enough to start a game.
"For me, I feel like I'm ready, it's just a matter of time until I get that spot in the team to start so, for me, I feel like I'm fit now," he said.
"I've put in the hard work and hopefully I can get a start soon."
He may get that chance this week -- when the Reds take on the Wellington Phoenix.
