Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
AAP
AAP
George Clarke

ALM duo into Olyroos squad as Irankunda turns down call

Nestory Irankunda warms up before the Socceroos' clash with Ecuador in March 2023. (Steven Markham/AAP PHOTOS)

Tony Vidmar has named Keegan Jelacic and Lucas Mauragis in his Olyroos squad after Nestory Irankunda opted against accepting a call-up for Australia's Olympic qualifiers.

Irankunda had been pencilled in by Vidmar as a possible replacement for Marco Tilio, who withdrew from the U23 Asian Cup with a quad injury. 

The Adelaide teenager had initially been left out because of concerns over his maturity.

But after discussions with Vidmar and his club, Irankunda has remained in Australia, where he will see out the A-League Men season with Adelaide before heading to Bayern Munich.

Lucas Mauragis
Newcastle Jets fullback Lucas Mauragis has been called up to the Olyroos squad. (Mark Evans/AAP PHOTOS)

Tilio's spot in Vidmar's squad has been taken by Brisbane Roar's Jelacic, while Newcastle Jets fullback Mauragis comes into the set-up after Louis D'Arrigo was deemed unavailable by club side Lechia Gdansk. 

"We had been in discussions with Lechia for some time about Louis's availability for this tournament, unfortunately they've decided that he's required to remain in Poland," Vidmar said. 

"We understand and respect the position of the club, and I've made my frustration at the timing of this tournament, and its impact on player availability, known for several months.

"That being said, it's certainly disappointing to have things change like this at the last minute, when all our preparation had been done on the proviso Louis would be available."

Australia face Jordan in the first of three group games on April 15.  

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.