Joyce praise for Kilkenny

COACH Warren Joyce has nothing but praise for the response of Melbourne City outcast Neil Kilkenny to his youth team demotion last week.

But the Englishman is far from definitive about the exSocceroo’s prospects at the club.

Kilkenny won City’s best player award last season. But Joyce’s arrival has heralded a stunning fall from grace for the defensive midfielder, who has made just three cameo appearances off the bench 10 rounds in to this campaign.

The one-time English Premier League player with Birmingham City didn’t even make the match-day squad for last week’s clash with Central Coast, instead picked to play a National Youth League game the day before.

Joyce said Kilkenny handled the decision well.

“I thought his attitude was good last week,” Joyce said.

“He’s not had a game for a while so we felt he needed 90 minutes.

“He helped a young side to play well, so credit to him for doing that and doing it right — and slightly out of position as well because we had to throw a side together with no centre half.

“That’s all the players can do. Killa is no different to (Nathaniel) Atkinson. He’s got to train well and try and force himself into the team.”

Kilkenny’s fall from grace has led to speculation he will seek a move elsewhere in the January transfer window.

But while Joyce has previously intimated there may be some ins and outs next month, the coach would not say whether Kilkenny was one player who may look to move on or may be moved on.

Kilkenny has been added to the extended squad for tonight’s clash with Sydney FC.