Skubala makes 'best' McNally prediction after City defender's return

McNally has started two of the Robins' three Championship matches since the extended international break, partnering Rob Atkinson in the centre of the defence for City's draw away at Charlton Athletic and last weekend's Ashton Gate defeat to Sheffield United.

The 27-year-old's start against the Blades was McNally's first appearance in BS3 since he sustained an ACL injury all the way back in February 2025. What the Reds initially hoped would be nine months or so on the sidelines ultimately proved to be almost two years on the treatment table.

Having been part of the squad that travelled to Spain for this summer's pre-season camp and been involved in training in the opening weeks of the campaign, the defender turned out twice for the Under-21s and during the mid-season friendly win over Crystal Palace before returning to the fold at The Valley.

Naturally, even with those extra minutes with the Young Robins before the international break, Skubala doesn't yet believe McNally is "firing on all cylinders." He does, however, believe he's only going to get better with the weeks that pass.

"So impressed; I've been so impressed with Luke, I must admit," the City manager told Bristol Live when asked about the defender during Thursday afternoon's pre-Stoke City press conference. "He's another great guy.

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"They're all good, and they're great to work with, but Luke, to have that [injury], come back, and I've started him twice. I have to say, he's still not fully fit. He's still only two Championship games in, in terms of how long he's been out.

"He's not quite firing on all cylinders yet, but I think once he's got more games under his belt, playing a little bit more, Saturday-to-Saturday, I think you'll see even better things from him, because I think he's a very accomplished centre-half that can play alongside other centre-halves and, again, add some more leadership to the group, which is nice, in a calming but aggressive way.

"I think we're going to start to see the best of him."

McNally's injury came early in his time at Ashton Gate. The defender had made the move to south Bristol from Burnley on transfer deadline day in the summer of 2024, and quickly established himself as a regular starter under the management of Liam Manning.

Having played 27 times in all competitions that season, the Irishman sustained his injury during a home defeat to Swansea City. As a result, he missed the run-in, the subsequent play-off campaign and ultimately the entirety of Gerhard Struber and Roy Hodgson's managerial tenures.

At 27 years old, though, and with spells at Burnley, Coventry City and Stoke City all under his belt, McNally is starting to add an extra dimension to the Robins' backline.

"Like I say, he's experienced," Skubala explained. "But you can't expect him, after 18 months, nearly two years out, to be firing on all cylinders after two Championship games.

"That's not fair. But I think he's been good. When he's played, he's looked steady and at times he looks like a Rolls-Royce with the ball. He's coming along very well."

McNally's next opportunity to add to his minutes will come this weekend, when he makes his return to the bet365 Stadium. Skubala's side travel to the Potteries to face Stoke on Saturday afternoon as they look to curtail a three-match winless run.

After the meeting with Mark Robins' Potters, the Reds have another clear midweek before they hit the road once more, with a trip to Bolton Wanderers next on the agenda. On paper, the extended gap between fixtures should, all being well, allow McNally to retain his place at the heart of defence.

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