It was his first start since March and City striker Ross McCormack says the only way is up for him after his debut for the Club on Friday night.
The Scottish International’s 82 minutes against Brisbane saw McCormack fill the number nine position left void by the injured Bruno Fornaroli and despite only three sessions under his belt, the forward put in a tidy shift.
But with vital match practice and another week on the track ahead for the injury replacement player, McCormack says Friday was only a glimpse of what he can offer to the side.
“It was good. That was my first start since March and I think it was 80 minutes under my belt. It was a bit rusty but it can only get better,” McCormack said.
“Fitness wise was fine, it was just more sharpness that I’m going to be working on in the coming weeks to get back to where I feel I need to be.
“It’s just all about training every day, and to be fair, the manager demands it and the boys are doing it.
“I think if you work hard and concentrate on playing well, hopefully the chances will start to be created and I back myself if I get chances to score goals.”
The Aston Villa loanee created one chance and was crucial in the build up to Bruce Kamau’s second goal on the night, causing a headache for the Roar defence every time he was on the ball.
His movement off the ball however caught the eye of many during the match and the striker said he’s looking forward to building the relationships with the team in the final third.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to play with a lot of good strikers in my career and you learn different bits from different guys,” he said.
“It’s just a case of building up the relationship with the wingers and midfielders so that they know where you are going to be, when you’re going to be there and when that comes, it’ll be a good thing.”
McCormack will have the chance to front up for City again in this week’s Melbourne Derby and says derby games always bring out his best.
“I’ve got some good memories of derbies but the one on Saturday is one I’m definitely looking forward to and I’m also looking forward to seeing Etihad as well,” he said.
“Going back the last few years, Fulham vs QPR was the big derby and we managed to get the bragging rights there. I think I scored every game against them.
“Football is all about momentum. We’d much rather win last week than draw this week heading into a derby. I know form goes out the window and its just a one off game but its one that everyone is definitely up for.”
City face Victory in the Melbourne Derby on Saturday at Etihad Stadium, kick-off 7.50pm
