FORMER Bathurst ’75 and Churches United junior Rhyan Grant has extended his association with A-League powerhouse Sydney FC, agreeing to stay with the club until at least the end of the 2016-17 season.

The two-year extension keeps Grant with the club he initially joined as a youth player seven years ago when he was just 16.

Since then he has become an integral part of their player group and even while he was still a teenager, Grant was part of the side that won the competition in 2009-10.

New contract with the Sky Blues caps off a big week for both the club and Grant himself after he found a rare goal during Sydney FC’s 4-2 win over the Central Coast last Saturday.

His long-range thunderbolt was just the fifth goal of his A-League career, and showed that he is completely over the injury problems that plagued him last year.

During his career the 23-year-old has spent time at almost every position on the field, but has made a name for himself in defence. Coach Graham Arnold sees him becoming the permanent right back for his side.

“Rhyan is a fantastic player to have at my disposal,” Arnold said.

“His willingness to support the team and be able to cover various positions makes him a great utility, but we do see him now cementing a role in one place.”

Grant said he could see the club reaching great heights under Arnold, but between now and the end of the regular season they will need to lift if they are to compete with the likes of the Perth Glory, Melbourne Victory and Adelaide United.

“I’ve been at Sydney FC since I was a 17-year-old, I couldn’t fathom playing for any other A-League club,” he said.

“I’ve enjoyed winning silverware at Sydney FC and under head coach Graham Arnold I believe we can claim further trophies, so to be extending my stay under Arnie is really exciting.”