When a cross bounced up nicely as Grant charged into the box in the Socceroos' World Cup qualifier against Vietnam earlier this month, the star defender headed in his first international goal.

It was a big moment for a talent who's highlight was once winning the under 15s New South Wales Youth Development League grand final with the Bathurst '75-Western Demons.

"I sort of just snuck in at the back post ... I didn't know whether to square it or go for goal, but I just went for glory in the end and just lucky it snuck in on the back post," Grant said.

"It feels great to get my first goal, I obviously don't score too many so to get one is nice and especially for your country.

"I was just excited when it went in, firstly because it gave us the lead which was important for us to get the three points, and secondly because, again I don't score too many."

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As was the case all those years ago Grant was playing junior soccer in Bathurst, he is better know for his strong defence than his goal scoring prowess.

But since he scored his first senior goal - it came in the 2008 Victorian Premier League to help AIS defeat Richmond 3-1 - Grant has developed a knack of scoring on big occasions.

He's done it in A-League grand finals for Sydney FC and now Grant, who has played 16 games for the Socceroos, has an international goal too.

His on target header not only saw the Socceroos defeat Vietnam 1-0, but make it a record 10^th consecutive victory in World Cup qualifiers. Australian are the first AFC nation to do so in one campaign.

It also helped lift Socceroos' FIFA World Ranking to #32, their highest ranking in over a decade.

Grant is currently in Europe preparing for the Socceroos' next World Cup qualifiers in the third stage, the Australians set to face Oman on October 7 and Japan on October 12.

He'll then return to Australia and form part of Sydney FC's latest tilt at A-League glory.

"I'm staying overseas between the international windows to avoid quarantine back home," he told sydneyfc.com.

"I'll keep ticking over and making sure I stay fit for October. I'll make sure I keep training and stay fit and ready for when the A-League kicks off next month.

"I might be away for an extended period but obviously I'm in good hands here and feel like I'll be ready to go come the start of the season.

"I've had a good month training with the boys [in Sydney] already so I think that will put me in good stead too."

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