Prodigious Sydney FC teenagers Terry Antonis and Dimi Petratos may have stolen the limelight recently, but don’t be surprised if fellow young-gun Rhyan Grant makes some headlines of his own before season’s end.
Prodigious Sydney FC teenagers Terry Antonis and Dimi Petratos may have stolen the limelight recently, but don’t be surprised if fellow young gun Rhyan Grant makes some headlines of his own before season’s end.
Grant burst onto the Hyundai A-League scene as a precocious teenager at the end of 2008, but has since struggled to cement a spot in the Sky Blues starting XI.
The arrival of Qantas Socceroos star Bret Emerton and the return of Slovakian international Karol Kisel has restricted the 20-year-old to just one run-on start from six appearances this season.
And while the versatile midfielder/defender says he’s happy to wait in the wings until an opportunity presents, he has his sights set on a regular starting role in the near future.
“At the moment I’m happy to sit on the bench and wait for my turn but I would really like to cement that starting spot,” Grant said.
“This season it’s been good having the likes of Brett Emerton and Karol Kisel, it’s obviously hard to get into the team but I’m happy to sit and wait because obviously they’re doing a good job and I can learn from them also at training.”
“It’s been tough sitting on the bench and not being able to start but like I said I’m happy to sit and wait my turn and hopefully when I get a chance I can go on with it and really try and put Vitja (coach Vitezslav Lavicka) in two minds.”
Grant started his career as a right-back but has been used more in the midfield in recent times.
He says his versatility is his greatest asset but concedes he’s yet to settle on a favourite position.
“It’s hard to say, I don’t really know my best position at the moment,” he said.
“I’ve played a lot of positions for Sydney and the junior Australian teams, I’ve played right-back, holding midfield, attacking midfield, right and left midfield and sometimes second striker.”
“I’ve got a lot of positions that I can play when Vitja needs and I’m happy to play anywhere and I think it’s a bonus for both me and the team that I can slot in anywhere, but I’m not really sure what my strongest position is yet.”
“I’m still learning in all positions so I’m just happy to come off the bench and try and make an impact, whether it be at right-back or in the midfield, so either way I’m pretty happy.”
Currently in his third full season with the Sky Blues, the Olyroos squad member is buoyant about the direction the club is heading after a disappointing 2010/11 campaign.
“Obviously we didn’t have a great year last year but this year we’ve made some massive changes inside the club and it’s really paying off,” he said.
“We’ve had a few good results this year, not really consistent but we’re working on that.”
“There’s been a massive difference from last year so hopefully we can build on some of the performances we’ve had this year and really be consistent and give the competition a good shake.”
