Hungry for goals, McGree “more than ready” to start against Syria

After a starring cameo against India, Riley McGree says he's ready to start for the Socceroos if called upon, even if it was a declaration couched around insistence he'll do whatever the team needs.

After a starring role off the bench in their 2-0 Asian Cup win over India, Australian attacker Riley McGree says he’s happy to contribute to the team however he can, but that he's “more than ready” to start if called upon.

McGree, 25, entered the Asian footballing showcase under something of a cloud: yet to return to action for club side Middlesbrough when he was named in the squad (he would make three appearances off the bench before departing for Doha) after suffering a foot injury in October. 

But any fears over his ability to contribute were quickly allayed when he was introduced as a 65th-minute substitute in the Socceroos' opening Asian Cup win over the Blue Tigers and provided an immediate spark for a side that, for much of the opening hour, and been blunted by a stout low block. 

He attempted five take-ons across his 26 minutes on the park, per Opta, leading that stat per 90 amongst players across all nations that have thus far played in the Asian Cup, while his 0.63 expected assists leads all players.   

Driving inside from the right flank after receiving a ball from fellow substitute Sammy Silvera, the Boro man highlighted his contribution against India by providing the assist for another fellow sub in Jordan Bos to add a 73rd-minute goal and make it 2-0. 

"Physically I feel very good,” McGree said. “I feel ready and willing to contribute in any way I'm required and if that be starting or off the bench again, I'm more than ready.

“Every game I want to go out there and contribute in any way I can. Being out with my injury, I've come back with maybe a little bit of a different outlook on the opportunities I do get and not taking any for granted. 

“When you're not injured, you don't think of that but when you come out and come away from [the game], it changes your perspective. 

“I'm just very grateful to be out there and very grateful to be able to have the opportunity to play for my country.”

“I don't think there's any one person [in the squad who] is going to grab [games]  by the scruff of the neck. I think we all can and we all have the opportunity as a team to push forward. 

“It's about everyone standing up in the opportunity they are given.”

Given the ‘family’, team-first environment that Arnold has fashioned within the Socceroos’ setup McGree’s carefully worded response emphasising the collective isn’t surprising. 

But ahead of a clash with what is expected to be another stout defensive block on Thursday evening when Australia face Syria, there are increasing calls for the South Australian to start against the Qasioun Eagles.

The same goes for Bos, Silvera, and fellow substitute Bruno Fornaroli, who also added an extra layer of verve and creativity when they were introduced against, admittedly a tiring, Indian defence. 

“Taking risks is a part of football and without risk-taking, the end product is going to be hard to find,” acknowledged McGree. 

“But I think we've got some really good capable players in the squad that can do that. And as I said, everyone's going to be needed in some way or other and then someone's going to bring their own you know aspects and individuality to certain games.”

McGree is a player, however, who has been singled out by Arnold as someone he wants to see more from this Asian Cup: more goals. 

The Socceroos’ coach believes that the former Adelaide United, Newcastle Jet, and Melbourne City representative has what it takes to lift his game to another level, not just with Australia but be it with Boro or beyond, if he can start adding some outcomes to his play. 

“As an attacker, you want to score, you want to assist, you want to contribute in any way you can,” said McGree. 

“For me, to take my game to the next level, I need more goals on a consistent basis or at least threatening the goal. 

“Having those conversations with the coaches and reflecting on myself, not only here in the national team but at the club as well, is my aim and goal going forward on a personal level. 

“But as a collective, it's obviously different in a team environment.”

Image Credit: Aleksandar Jason / Subway Socceroos