Melbourne City expect winger Holly McNamara to kick on from her Matildas call-up and play a crucial role in their run to the Liberty A-League finals as she eyes a Women’s World Cup spot.
McNamara, 20, is in Australia’s squad for next month’s friendlies against Scotland and England after impressing in her three games since returning from an ACL tear.
“She’s a very, very good player,” coach Dario Vidosic said.
“They’ve seen a lot of her beforehand when she was involved with the Matildas and she did very well when she first came in last season prior to her injury.
“They must believe in her as well and they watched the game we played against the Young Matildas and they actually wanted to call her into that camp – so that’s how much they’re keen on her, how much they like her.
“She’s a fantastic player and she thoroughly deserves this.
“She’s another one that’s put her hand up and will be fighting for a World Cup spot.”
City head into Sunday’s away clash with Perth Glory chasing a win that can keep them in top-two calculations to solidify their finals spot, while the Glory remain in the top-four hunt.
Vidosic is confident he can find a way to get the best out of a star-studded attack that includes McNamara, Maria Jose Rojas, Hannah Wilkinson and Bryleeh Henry.
‘We do have a lot of quality and it’s just trying to find what’s the best way that it helps the team and the individual within that team,” he said.
“It’s a headache as well trying to get everyone in the right position.
“We’ve got good quality then to impact the game and everyone plays their part.”
Vidosic said his charges had pulled up well from a tough 1-1 draw with Sydney FC in hot conditions and is in no doubt his players can quickly recover for the trip to Perth.
“It is hard, obviously sometimes with the sleep and the difference in time but we just need to put that to the side,” he said.
“Because unfortunately, once you cross that white line on Sunday, there’s no excuses.”
