THE substitution of former Bathurst District Football talent Rhyan Grant into Sunday night’s AFC Asian Cup opener against Jordan put some spark into the Socceroos.
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However, it wasn’t enough to turn around the 1-0 deficit the defending champions had suffered before he was brought on at half-time.
Grant was substituted on for Josh Risdon at right back but played an advanced role when the Socceroos were in possession, often playing ahead of right half Mark Milligan.
His positioning helped created some opportunities for the Australians early in the second half while he also put in a cross to an open Jackson Irvine, whose header was off target.
In the end a header from Jordanian defender Anas Bani-Yaseen was all that stood between the two sides, leaving the Australians to ponder their next move against Palestine this Friday.
Socceroos finished the match with 77 per cent possession but lacked speed in attack.