IT will be a game which brings with it a host of pressure, but Rhyan Grant will have his fingers crossed he takes part in the Socceroos’ World Cup Qualifier against the United Arab Emirates.
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Tuesday’s match in Sydney offers the man who played his junior soccer in Bathurst a chance to make his senior national debut.
On the back of impressive form on club level for Sydney FC, the versatile defender was named in the Socceroos squad.
He was not used in last Thursday’s qualifier when Australia drew 1-all with Iraq, a result which has the Socceroos third in their qualifying pool.
To advance they need to finish top two, making a win over fourth-placed UAE crucial.
But for Grant, if his chance to play comes, it will be about trying to make his mark.
“I’m very new to the team, so I’m just worrying about trying to impress and do well and make my mark,” Grant told Sydneyfc.com.
“There’s been a few players to play right back the last couple of years, so if I get my chance and I do well I think I can stay in the squad. That’s what I’m hoping, it’s all up to me at the moment so we’ll see how it goes.
“I’ve always just tried to play the game and enjoy it in the A-League, I never really thought about much further on. Obviously everyone has goals and being selected now has opened my eyes up a bit and it enhances my goals in myself.”
Kick-off in Tuesday night’s qualifier is 8pm.