Adelaide United coach Carl Veart says the club will continue to patiently nurture the talents of exciting winger Nestory Irankunda after the 16-year-old showcased again why he is tipped to play for the Socceroos.
The Tanzanian-born Irankunda came off the bench at halftime to play on the right flank in Friday's 1-1 draw at Brisbane Roar, and his pinpoint crosses and corner kicks always looked like providing a goal.
It was no surprise when George Blackwood scored with a header from one of the teenager's corners.
Irankunda broke clear late in the match and it took a great save from Roar goalkeeper Macklin Freke to deny him.
Veart said Irankunda had worked closely with the side for 18 months after making his A-League Men's debut last year.
Adelaide want to develop the teenager with care so he can get to the highest level and fulfil his potential.
"We know exactly what he is capable of. He is a 16-year-old kid learning the game and we have to be patient with him," Veart said.
"Everyone around him has to be patient with him as well because he is going to have lots of ups and downs.
"It is about us as a club, and the players, developing him as a player and a person as well so he can go on to play for the Socceroos hopefully."
Adelaide captain and Socceroos' World Cup star Craig Goodwin was a late withdrawal from the clash in Redcliffe with the flu.
"When he got back from Qatar he wasn't feeling that well and that is what normally happens when you are on long-haul flights, where you can pick up stuff," Veart explained.
"We gave him every opportunity until this morning to see if he was going to be right, but being the professional that Craig is he knew that he couldn't give one hundred per cent and he made the decision that was best for the team."
Goodwin said in a Twitter post before the game that he was "gutted" not to be able to play and how much he was looking forward to linking back up with Adelaide United.
"Craig is our leader. He has a lot of quality. Everyone knows that in the League," Veart said.
"He showed that on the world stage. We've known that for a long time which is why we did everything to get him back to the club and sign him on a long-term contract because we know how important he is.
"He showed (at the World Cup) with the other boys that went from the A-League that we have good, quality players in this League and people need to get out and support them."
