At only 19 years of age, it is hard to believe that winger Josh McVey has been a part of the Brisbane Roar Youth set up since the start.
However, as one of only three remaining members of the Roar-s inaugural NYL campaign in the current side, the three season veteran has learnt that success doesn-t come without hard work.
While McVey has played second fiddle to Hyundai A-League players Rocky Visconte and James Meyer for the most part of the season, the young speedster has been training hard and taking advantage of any opportunity he gets.
With the Roar Youth suffering two tough defeats in the space of four days last week, and the prospect of three difficult away trips to close out the season, McVey is adamant his side has what it takes to end on a high note.
“We have had a few tough results the last few weeks, but that-s just the nature of football and it has helped us come together as a side,” said McVey.
“Complacency can tend to creep into your game over the latter parts of the season and it seemed to get the better of us last week, however all the boys are determined to bounce back as quickly as possible.
“We are in range of finishing the season in second place, so the all the boys have increased their workload at training so the side can achieve that goal.”
Although admitting that he was not performing to his best throughout the first half of the season, McVey has been going the extra yard at training to turn things around.
McVey also admitted that it has been Brisbane Roar senior squad member Thomas Broich that has inspired him to take another look at how he plays the game.
“I hold very high standards for myself and to be really honest I was meeting those standards over the first weeks of the competition,” McVey said.
“Watching and training with Thomas (Broich) has shown me that there is more to being a winger than just beating players and scoring goals; you have to be a little selfless and do a lot of work off the ball as well.
“I feel that as a player I have become a much harder worker this season, I-ve learnt that you need to take advantage of every second you are on the field and that-s the only way you’re consistently going to make a difference.”
While still eligible for a Youth League return next season, McVey is hoping his hard work on the training paddock will one day earn him a call up to the Hyundai A-league.
“I would love to be a part of the Roar A-league set up, I have been working hard and hopefully that hard work gets noticed but until then I will be giving it my all for the youth side every week.”
