Interrupted A-League preparation doesn’t hold back Melbourne City matchwinner Riley McGree

TOUGH love from his coach triggered an instant reaction from super sub Riley McGree after the surprising call to start the teen sensation on the bench in the Melbourne Derby.

Riley McGree of Melbourne City celebrates scoring a goal against Melbourne Victory.

SUPER sub Riley McGree’s “scorpion goal” cost him a Melbourne derby start, but tough love from his coach triggered a reaction from the teen sensation.

McGree, who was listed at No.16 in News Corp’s top 50 list of A-League players and starred in pre-season, was dropped to the bench of an undermanned City side in the derby’s biggest selection shock.

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Melbourne City coach Warren Joyce revealed that McGree’s awards ceremony and media commitments — he attended the FIFA Awards after his scorpion goal for Newcastle Jets against Melbourne City was nominated for the Puskas Award and last week’s A-League launch respectively — compromised his preparations.

But McGree made a statement within 150 seconds of coming on, via a piercing run and superb finish that sealed the win over Melbourne Victory.

Riley McGree celebrates after scoring the winner against Melbourne Victory.

“Riley’s done fantastically well, he was one of our best players during pre-season,” Joyce said. “He went away on that goal thing to England for five days; he comes back not quite as sharp.

“Then the start of this week when we’re working on things he’s off having his picture taken in Sydney. Missed a day’s training.

“It’s through circumstance really, but half of it’s a couple of trips away.

“He’s had a lot on. He goes there (to the FIFA awards), it’s a tremendous experience to be with the top players in the world and have that, but it also takes it out of you with jet lag and all. You’ve got to be fair to the ones who were here and putting in a shift while he’s gone and probably done better than him since.

“He (McGree) has come back but we’ve sat him down and he understood that.

“We said for sure you’ll be coming on today and I thought his attitude was first-class.”

Throwback to last seasons Newcastle Jets' Riley McGree Stunning scorpion kick goal! 🔥

Definitely should've been nominated as FIFA #puskasaward #FIFAFootballAwards pic.twitter.com/1R39AGCZyO

— 『Jay』 (@FreddoAkh) September 24, 2018

Captain Scott Jamieson is likely to return to left-back after narrowly missing selection against Victory due to a hamstring tweak, while attacker Dario Vidosic will now face a battle to win back his first XI spot as Joyce traditionally sticks with a winning side.

Osama Malik and Curtis Good are edging towards full fitness, although Saturday’s visit to Central Coast may come too soon for the pair as seven Young Socceroos are still away, including Nathaniel Atkinson, Ramy Najjarine and Dylan Pierias.

“Hopefully we’d expect Jamo to be involved and Dario,” Joyce said.

“They’re both not much of injuries, more fatigue and people getting run down.”

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