Melbourne City coach Rado Vidosic is but to concede defeat within the battle to maintain Socceroo-in-waiting Aiden O’Neill, however admits the star midfielder’s “dream” is to return to Europe.
O’Neill, who made three English Premier League appearances as an 18-year-old for Burnley, is reportedly set to go away City on the finish of the A-League season to affix French membership Troyes.
And regardless of studies that City has already lined up a alternative for O’Neill in Wellington midfielder Steven Ugarkovic, who’s leaving the Phoenix when the season ends, Vidosic hasn’t given up of retaining the 24-year-old Queenslander.
“He’s been offered a (City) contract – he’s still thinking about it,” Vidosic mentioned of O’Neill.
“There’s no concrete decision that he’s going to leave, and there’s no concrete decision that he’s going to leave for France, so it’s just speculation.
“We’re just waiting to hear differently, and if that is the case, then we will respond to it.
“We are hoping that he’s going to stay.”
However, Vidosic is effectively conscious that O’Neill has a want to once more take a look at himself on the European stage.
“Like many players in the A-League, he’s got a dream to go back to Europe,” Vidosic mentioned.
“He’s done fantastically well for the club. He’s out of contract and if he makes a final decision to go overseas, I’m quite sure that he’s going to have successful season wherever he goes.
“Then they will have to respond to that, (but) trust me, we’re going to do everything that we can to keep him, and then if we have to replace him, we will find the best suitable replacement for him.”
Like Melbourne City, Troyes is owned by the City Football Group.
Coached by former Melbourne City mentor Patrick Kisnorbo, Troyes is at risk of being relegated from Ligue 1, French soccer’s prime flight.
Should Troyes go right down to Ligue 2, Kisnorbo could be no certainty to maintain his job, which may decide whether or not O’Neill joins the membership.
O’Neill has been a key think about City’s success since becoming a member of the membership after spending many of the 2019-20 season at Brisbane Roar.
His type has him in choice competition for the Socceroos’ two matches in opposition to Ecuador this month.
O’Neill will get one other probability to push his nationwide choice claims on Sunday when A-League leaders City host the Roar at AAMI Park.
City is eager for redemption after dropping 4-2 to Adelaide United final week. It was City’s second defeat in three matches.
“It’s a good learning curve for us,” Vidosic mentioned.
“We are looking forward to playing Brisbane, keeping in mind that we will probably play them (Adelaide) in the finals again.
“They are one of the better teams in the finals race, so we’ll probably end up playing them again in either the semis or the grand final.”
Source: www.news.com.au
