Highly-touted Max Balard called up into Socceroos World Cup qualifiers squad as teen hopeful cops axe – Nine

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Socceroos coach Tony Popovic has revealed two debutants in his squad ahead of their do-or-die World Cup qualifying clashes against Saudi Arabia and Bahrain in the coming weeks.
Headlining inclusions are 23-year-old Max Balard, alongside 20-year-old defender Hayden Matthews, with the pair earning the call up into the 26-man squad that will play in Melbourne and Bahrain.
But on the flip side, teen hopeful Nestory Irankunda has been axed after an error prone performance in Popovic's first game in charge.
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The Socceroos are still searching for a full-time partner for Jackson Irvine in the middle, with Balard getting an opportunity to audition for the role after impressing for his new club in Holland
Balard has found his feet on the international stage following his key part in the Central Coast Mariners grand final victory early this year.
He's played every minute so far in the Dutch Eredivisie and has been labelled the "Australian Kanté" by the locals.
Max Balard of the Mariners celebrates scoring a goal during round 24. Getty
It could be a move for the ages by Popovic in a must-win clash.
Meantime, alongside the two rookies, veteran Anthony Caceres has also been called up in search of his maiden cap at the age of 32.
Popovic admitted he is trialling different faces as he looks to refresh the squad for the long term.
"We're in the early stages of this journey as a group and we'll continue to implement the style of play that will be the foundation of our success throughout this cycle," Popovic said on Friday.
Hayden Matthews during a Sydney FC match in April.  Getty
"It's an important series of fixtures and we're looking forward to finishing off the year on the right note, and equally, putting on a strong performance for the people of Melbourne who have shown us such great support in recent years."
Danie Arzani, Keanu Baccus, Luke Brattan, Thomas Deng, Sam Silvera, Apostolos Stamatelopoulos and Gianni Stensness are the others to be omitted.
Brandon Borrello, Martin Boyle, Milos Degenek, Rhyan Grant and Kusini Yengi are the remaining members included in the lineup.
Tony Popovic watches on during the third-round FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier between the Socceroos and China PR. Robert Cianflone via Getty Images
The Socceroos take on Saudi Arabia at AAMI Park on Thursday 14 November from 8pm (AEDT).
They'll head over to face Bahrain on Tuesday 19 November at Bahrain National Stadium, Riffa (5.15am AEDT on Wednesday 20 November).
Max Balard, Aziz Behich, Brandon Borrello, Jordy Bos, Martin Boyle, Cameron Burgess, Anthony Caceres, Milos Degenek, Mitchell Duke, Joe Gauci, Jason Geria, Craig Goodwin, Rhyan Grant, Ajdin Hrustic, Jackson Irvine, Paul Izzo, Hayden Matthews, Riley McGree, Lewis Miller, Aiden O'Neill. Kye Rowles, Mat Ryan, Harry Souttar, Nishan Velupillay, Patrick Yazbek, Kusini Yengi.
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