Popovic: Young Players Still Have Socceroos Shot

0:00Hey, it's Corey, with the story with Sydney News today, your city, your news, every day. Sakaru's coach Tony Popovick says young players still have a strong shot at the senior team, even after Adrian's second track switched his international. Allegiance to Croatia this week. The 20-year-old had played for Australia at under 17, under 20, and under 23 levels, but never earned a senior cap. Under FIFA rules, if he plays for Croatia, ranked 11th in the world, he cannot return to the Sakaru's later. This marks the second recent defection, following Christian Volpato, who chose Italy over Australia's 2022 World Cup squad. Popovick remains confident, Australia offers a clear path, pointing to young talents already breaking into the senior group. Popovick told reporters that call-ups through youth teams in the Sakaru's should show players they are wanted without guarantees of starts. He respects SegaJag's choice to chase senior minutes with Croatia and wishes him well. Finding it is probably better to decide now.

1:01Meanwhile, Popovick rewarded patients like Nestorii Irankundas, who stuck with Australia after early snubs, and now has 11 caps and three goals, including as the second youngest men's score. For upcoming home-friendly's, he named uncapped players like 18-year-old defender Lucas Harrington, striker, Denny Jurick, and attacker, Antesudo, who was also Croatia eligible. Nick left out injured stars like Harry Soutar, opting to keep him training at his club, but praised his World Cup form. The 26-man squad faces more tests before finalizing for the World Cup, with a friendly against Mexico on May 30. This story is made possible by our sponsor. It is a pillow that plays your podcast and music without earbuds. Built for listening in bed, solypillo.com