Joyce praises Kamau’s star quality

MELBOURNE City coach Warren Joyce believes his derby match-winner could become the latest A-League star to make it overseas.

Bruce Kamau’s second-half goal gave City the edge in Saturday night’s win over bitter rival Melbourne Victory at Etihad Stadium.

It was also the 22-year-old’s third goal in two games after an opening night double over Brisbane Roar — his first senior brace — and has City on top of the A-League table after a perfect start.

Joyce says further growth could take Kamau much further.

“Even before I came to the country and saw him play for Adelaide, I thought he was an outstanding player,” Joyce said. “(Kamau is) certainly one that could play in the English Championship, easily.”

City withstood plenty of pressure from Melbourne Victory before running out 2-1 winners.

Joyce saw his players scythed down in a series of first-half challenges, the worst being Rhys Williams’ late effort on Osama Malik right in front of the City bench.

Malik needed to be replaced after that tackle, with Marcin Budzinski coming on to score in first-half injury time.

Referee Peter Green consulted with the video referee before allowing Williams to stay on the pitch, but Joyce wouldn’t be drawn on whether he should have been shown red. “It’s part of football. It happens,” he said.

“(Malik) is a tough kid and wanted to carry on . . . it ended up being an inspired substitution.”

Luke Brattan (training knock) and Neil Kilkenny (back) weren’t involved on Saturday night but Joyce said both were in contention to face Wellington next week.

As for City’s overall expectations, Joyce is keen to keep a lid firmly on things.

City came into this season without the hype of last campaign when Tim Cahill joined the club to much fanfare.

Joyce is keen to keep it that way for as long as possible.