Socceroos prodigy returns to A-League after horror run

Socceroos winger Marco Tilio has returned to Melbourne City on loan for the upcoming A-League Men season as he attempts to shake off his injury woes and get back to his exhilarating best.

Tilio’s move to Scottish powerhouse Celtic on a five-year deal in June 2023 has so far proved disastrous for the 22-year-old.

A pre-season quad injury was a nightmare start, while Tilio quickly fell out of manager Brendan Rodgers’ plans and rejoined City on a short-term loan in January.

But repeated hamstring injuries limited the tricky winger to just four appearances and a single goal.

Tilio has signed with City on loan for the entire 2024-25 season in a bid to reinvigorate his career and return to the Socceroos fold.

“Delighted to re-sign and hopefully have a positive season,” he said.

“Last season didn’t go to plan – (I) had a few injuries throughout the whole season … (and) ended up being out for about eight months out of the last 12.

“So it wasn’t ideal. It was tough.

“But now I’ve put myself in a good spot and I just want to get cracking for pre-season and see what I can do for this season at City.”

Tilio said he was unconcerned whether he played on the wing or centrally as City attempt to improve on last season’s elimination-final exit.

“I’m going to do everything I can to help the team win this season and get myself back out there playing,” he said.

“It’s a massive year … I can’t wait.

“We want to go on and try to win everything we can this season.”