Socceroos playmaker James Troisi backs Adelaide United teammate Riley McGree for national call-up
In-form Adelaide United youngster Riley McGree needs patience and consistency to earn a deserved Socceroos call-up, according to a Reds teammate who tasted success on the international stage.
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THE man who sealed Australian soccer’s biggest international prize says Riley McGree needs patience and consistency to earn the Socceroos call-up his stunning early-season form merits.
James Troisi made his Adelaide United debut in Saturday’s come-from-behind A-League triumph in Newcastle, four years after scoring his country’s winner in the Asian Cup final.
The 37-cap playmaker linked up impressively with McGree in the Reds’ midfield, laying on the youngster’s first goal in his decisive brace against the Jets.
But Troisi said his fellow SA-born talent needed time to continue developing, despite calls for a national team berth on the back of six goals in eight games since rejoining United.
“I definitely see no reason why he can’t,” said Troisi, of McGree’s Socceroos chances.
“He’s a good, young, quality player, who wants to work hard and wants to learn.
“I’m happy for him that he’s playing well and scoring goals.
“But most important for young kids is consistency in games.
“You don’t want to put too much pressure on these boys, you want to let them play and let them do their thing.
“I’m sure he has aspirations of heading overseas again and playing at a higher level, and then the Socceroos will come in time.
“But I definitely think he is capable sometime in the near future of getting involved again.”
McGree, 20, was part of a senior national team camp in March 2017, but did not register game-time ahead his move to Belgian side Club Brugge.
His standout display in the Hunter, which included a goal direct from a corner in the 2-1 victory, secured Adelaide’s first points, three days after he scored in the FFA Cup final win.
McGree and three of his Australian teammates remain the subject of an ongoing FFA investigation into alleged misconduct while on under-23 duty in March.
But Troisi said the Gawler Eagles’ product’s character and hunger reflect the new-look Reds’ approach under Dutch coach Gertjan Verbeek.
“It was a tough week,” said Troisi, after Adelaide played three matches in six days.
“To get a response like that in the conditions we had to deal with in 34C heat and very windy ... it was a fantastic three points.
“There was definitely some tired legs about. But we came out in the second half and performed much better.
“From what I’ve seen so far, the gaffer works the boys extremely hard, but the boys are resilient and they have a fantastic attitude.
“Everyone is willing and prepared to work hard and work for each other.”
Troisi was surprised, but satisfied, to have completed 90 minutes in his first competitive outing since lining up for Melbourne Victory, ironically against Adelaide, in April
He said the injury-hit Reds would benefit from this weekend’s bye and a 15-day break before their next match against Brisbane Roar at Hindmarsh Stadium.
“It was fantastic to be back on the pitch ... and playing for Adelaide, my hometown,” Troisi, 31, said.
“To top it off with a good performance and help the team with an assist ... I’m pretty happy.
“The rest and freshen up will do everyone some good.
“Arguably we don’t have our strongest squad to choose from just as yet, so there’s good, positive signs to come.”