Teen sensation takes Socceroos breakout in his stride

The first time Socceroos coach Tony Popovic watched Herrington train back in March, he decided he would be playing.

Less than three months later, Herrington excitedly called his mum to tell her he'd made Australia's 26-man World Cup squad.

He will be the 11th-youngest player at the tournament and could become the Socceroos' youngest-ever starter if given the nod against Turkey on June 13 (June 14 AEST).

"I'm over the moon, it's a dream come true," Herrington said in Oakland on Wednesday.

"I'm so happy to be here. I can't wait for it all to get started."

Herrington has started Australia's past three games and barely put a foot wrong, including looking totally unflappable against Mexico on Saturday with a raucous, parochial crowd against him.

"It's just enjoyment. I love the game, I love playing," Herrington said.

"So when we have a crowd like that, 80,000 probably already against us, it's really special. It just gives you that energy you want for the game, that buzz. 

"I loved playing that game. I love playing every game, to be honest. It's just extra special when you have that many fans in there."

Herrington debuted for Brisbane Roar as a 17-year-old in December 2024, and in January earned a move to MLS club Colorado Rapids.

The beanpole teenager, who models his game on Spain great Sergio Ramos and Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk, has been making waves there too and is already being talked up for a big move to Europe.

He's taking it all in his long, loping stride.

"I'm not really too thinking too far in the future," Herrington said.

"So it is just Colorado, and now just focusing on the World Cup. That's where my focus is at the moment, so we'll see what happens after that."

Herrington was roommates with fellow sensation Nestory Irankunda, 20, in U17 Joeys camp a few short years ago.

"It's really special to be back in the camp with him - in the Socceroos, highest level we can get to," he said.

Herrington admits it's hard not to think "football 24/7", but he is able to switch off, while also seizing the opportunity to soak up what he can learn from senior defenders Harry Souttar and Cameron Burgess.

Defender and fellow World Cup debutant Jason Geria, 33, believes the Socceroos environment fits Herrington "like a glove".

"He has a really high ceiling," Geria said.

"Really good kid, really nice, respectful, does all the right things, willing to learn. He just wants to come here and improve, and he's enjoying it.

"He has the right approach - he's just embracing everything, doesn't put too much pressure on himself. 

"I think that's why he always looks so carefree on the pitch, he looks so relaxed and just at ease when he's on the ball. It's really, really nice to watch. 

"He's fit in seamlessly here."