LION CUB REISS STEPS IT UP

TEENAGE sensation Reiss McNally has won many admirers this year – and has even caught the eye of England C boss Paul Fairclough.

The 19-year-old has excelled in his maiden campaign withGuiseley from Step 7 side Solihull United last summer.

And the right-back’s meteoric rise attracted the attention of Fairclough who named the teenager as a standby for England C’s fixture against Wales in March.

McNally’s chance to link up with the squad was curtailed by the coronavirus but looking back, the youngster recalls his disbelief at being selected for the Three Lions.

“I was very surprised,” he told The NLP. “It came from nowhere. A call up was the last thing on my mind. I wasn’t even thinking I’d be anywhere near the England C team.

“Especially considering where I was last season, playing for Solihull and the step up that I had made.

“All I was thinking about was playing well for Guiseley and making sure I was in the team every game, and that I was consistent. So when [Guiseleu joint-manager] Marcus (Bignot) told me, I was shocked. But it was great to get that recognition, to know that I have been doing the right things and people are taking notice.

“Obviously it’s a shame I wasn’t able to join up with England but hopefully next season I can keep going,and do it again.”

Reflecting on his first Lions campaign, full-back McNally admits he was pushed out of his comfort zone, especially when a switch of formation forced him to play more centrally.

Temperament

“We changed into a back three and at first I thought I’m really not a fan of this position but I grew into the role,” he said

“On the ball we were tested a lot, the coaches wanted us to play from the back. We were the ones to start the moves.

“But we also had to make sure we were solid in defence and our defending had to be on point. It was a completely new challenge from playing right back. It was a new pressure for me but I really enjoyed it.

McNally is quick to praise Bignot and co-boss Russ O’Neill for the role they have played in helping him find his feet at a higher level.

“Marcus is really honest, if you’ve had a bad game, he will be the first to let you know,” he added. “But it’s not just criticism with Marcus. He points out where you could have been better and how you can improve.

“I wouldn’t have developed as much had it not been for Marcus and Russ. They complement each other. If something isn’t working on the pitch, then they are open to trying each other’s ideas.

“They work together to find the best solution. Marcus has improved my knowledge tactically and Russ has really helped with the mental side of my game.”

Bignot has high hopes for McNally whose consistency has made him one of the first names on the Lions’ team sheet this season. The former QPR midfielder has been impressed by the temperament and attitude shown by McNally at such a young age.

Intelligence

Indeed, Bignot believes the defender can achieve more and has tipped him for future stardom.

“For such a young age, Macca’s level of consistency is incredible,” he said. “He is like a seasoned pro, the way he performs week in week out.

“Generally for a youngster, their form goes up and down but with Macca it’s different. No matter what player comes up against him, he is up to it.

“It’s a case of ‘We have Reiss down the right’ so that’s one threat we don’t need to worry about. Macca nullifies the opposition down that side. His defending is his biggest strength, not only does he defend well, delays and denies, but he can dictate the play as well.

“Macca is one of the best I’ve seen in 1v1s situations, but it’s what he does once he comes away with the ball, that makes him stand out. He has the ability to turn defence into attack. He is very strong in the transition. Not many young players have the intelligence to do that.

“But his biggest trait is he is so well grounded. There is a maturity in his performance, his ability is above this league and he has the attributes to make it in professionally.

“We truly believe he can go further but he is past going into an academy. He is too good for the U23’s. He has earned the right to go into a first-team setup.”