Australia call up Man City teenage sensation Robertson

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Manchester City teenage sensation Alex Robertson has been called up by the Australian national team as he is set to become the third generation of his family to play for the Socceroos.

The 19-year-old, who was born in Sydney, has played youth football for both England and Australia, but now appears ready to commit to Graham Arnold’s squad.

Mark Robertson’s father represented Australia in 2001, while his grandfather did so in 1984.

“I’ve probably been talking to him for over 18 months,” Arnold told reporters ahead of friendlies against Ecuador in Sydney on March 24 and Melbourne four days later.

“This time when I told him I wanted to pick him, straight away he said, ‘I can’t wait.'”

“I believe the kid has now aligned himself with Australia,” Arnold added.

“I’m pretty sure once he pulls the Socceroos shirt on and feels the emblem over his heart, there is only one nation he will play for.”

Robertson has played for Manchester City’s Under-23s, but he has not yet made his debut for Pep Guardiola’s senior squad.

Arnold compared the teen to Kevin De Bruyne, a Premier League star for Manchester City.

“He plays very similar to de Bruyne at Man City, he gets in the box, scores goals and has a good flair about him,” said Arnold.

“When you’re training with those type of players every week you’re there for a reason and that reason is that Pep Guardiola rates him highly and sees the quality he’s got.”

Arnold also invited Adelaide United winger Nestory Irankunda, who is 17 years old, to train with the national team.

“Seeing the kid play, he has special qualities,” said Arnold, who took Australia to the knockout stage of the Qatar World Cup.

“He’s coming in for an experience, but that’s not ruling him out of game time.

“I want him to learn quickly. I do believe that he will end up at that level.”