Scorpion kicks and searing attacking play – Riley McGree has reputation for producing the spectacular on the football pitch.
Could this Friday evening’s friendly against New Zealand U-23 in Wollongong be home to the Adelaide United starlet’s latest moment of audacity?
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The 20-year-old is set to pull on the green and gold jersey alongside Australia’s finest young footballers in the first of September’s two-match series against New Zealand.
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Friday’s clash with the Kiwis will not only be a chance for the Gary van Egmond’s side to build momentum against a quality opponent before January’s qualifiers for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, but it serves as the first time in close to eight years that the Olyroos have played on home soil.
“It’s definitely very humbling,” McGree told Socceroos.com of his call-up.
“It’s great when you represent your country. It’s good to have some friendlies coming up before the qualifiers next year.
“We’re excited and very confident because it would be a dream to go to the Olympics and represent your country there.”
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McGree was one of Australia’s star performers throughout their 2020 AFC U-23 Championship Qualification campaign in March.
The Gawler-born product re-joined hometown club Adelaide United in July from Belgian outfit Club Brugge and said he is relishing a big season under new Reds boss Gertjan Verbeek.
“He’s quite a hard taskmaster,” McGree said.
“He gets across what he wants and he’s very clear about what he wants.
“As a player you know where you stand and you know what you’re required to do so it’s very good.”
