‘I did want to go’: Snubbed Aussie young gun speaks

Adelaide United teen sensation Nestory Irankunda has confirmed he did want play in Australia’s botched Olympic qualifying campaign but his snubbing hasn’t diminished his Socceroos ambitions.

The Olyroos failed to qualify for the Paris Olympics after not winning a match, or scoring a goal, at the under-23 Asian Cup.

Irankunda, who is set to move from Adelaide to German powerhouse Bayern Munich, was a controversial omission from the squad and the 18-year-old’s goalscoring power was sorely missed.

But as he was named among the first A-League All-Stars for a clash with English Premier League side Newcastle United, Irankunda said he “can’t do much” about his non-selection but still hoped to soon be part of the Socceroos’ plans.

Olyroos coach Tony Vidmar earlier this month said he wanted to look at the “bigger picture” and protect Irankunda’s wellbeing by leaving him out of the tournament.

The star winger said he had not been bothered by the conjecture that had swirled over his Olyroos selection snub and then a reported late call-up, which he turned down.

“I’ve been normal, relaxed, I haven’t really had a look at (the reports),” Irankunda said.

“I’ve been really focused on Adelaide … I did want to go originally, but I wasn’t selected, so I can’t do much about it.”

Irankunda said he watched Australia’s first two matches of the tournament – a nil-all draw with Jordan and a 0-1 defeat to Indonesia.

“Yeah, I watched the first game, and I think I watched the second one,” he said.

“I watched their game against Indonesia, that was just great, to watch a couple of my friends playing.”

He suggested the disappointment of missing the campaign had not affected his desire to represent Australia at the top level.

“Yeah of course, it’s a dream of mine to earn a cap for the Socceroos, to make history, get a few goals for them as well,” he said.

“I wouldn’t mind getting a call-up … we’ll see what happens.

“There’s still a few parts of my game that I need to fix, but that will happen over time, so (I’ll) stay patient.”

Irankunda will play last game for Adelaide in the final round of the A-League this weekend before the A-League All-Stars play Newcastle United in Melbourne on May 24.