BEFORE Rhyan Grant arrived in the United Arab Emirates for the Asian Cup he admitted he was having a “whirlwind” ride with the Socceroos – now it’s a ride which has just been extended.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Bathurst District Football Association graduate and his Socceroos team-mates snatched a 3-2 win over Syria in their last pool game on Wednesday (AEDST) to book a spot in the final 16 of the tournament.
It took a cracking Tom Rogic strike in the 93rd minute to seal the win for the defending the champions, and Grant’s smile showed just how much he enjoyed seeing the shot find the back of the net.
It means Grant’s ride with the national team continues, the 27-year-old only having made his Socceroos in late November.
“To be called up, make my debut and now be a part of this tournament it has been a bit of whirlwind,” he said.
While there was plenty of light-hearted banter that Grant had to get official AFC approval to sport his now trademark mullet haircut at the Asian Cup – “they don’t like ordinary haircuts over here, so they had to get the tick of approval” – his performances have been seriously good.
After being used as a substitute in the tournament opener – which Australia lost 1-0 to Jordan - Grant has started the last two games on the right side of the Socceroos defence.
READ MORE: Grant earns second cap against Oman
READ MORE: Grant helps, but Socceroos fall to Jordan
READ MORE: Grant marks 10 years with Sydney FC
READ MORE: Debate rages over Grant’s mullet
While his starting spot came due to the more experienced Josh Risdon being injured, Grant has handled the added responsibility.
His value to the team is his physicality and high work rate – he had 59 touches against Syria at Khalifa Bin Zayed Stadium – and that he constantly pushes forward to create attacking options.
His 22nd minute cross which found Jamie Maclaren in Wednesday’s match very nearly led to a goal.
The Socceroos’ next match will be Monday against either Uzbekistan or Japan and with Risdon a chance to return from a groin injury, Grant’s spot in the starting side is not certain.
Still, if he is given the nod by coach Graham Arnold, Grant will relish the chance.
While Grant will return to his A-League club duties with Sydney FC – his home for the past 10 years – he knows his efforts in a Socceroos jersey could lead to more opportunities.
He knows talent scouts from overseas clubs will likely be watching the Asian Cup action.
Keep up to date with the latest sports news by clicking here
“You never know who's watching,” he said.
“It’s not on the bucket list - I’m not actively out there looking to get a move overseas or anything, but if something was to pop up I’d definitely have a look at it.
“I’ve got no qualms if I was to stay at the A-League and Sydney for the rest of my career. But you want to go as far as your talent or hard work can take you.”