Sydney FC full-back Rhyan Grant has claimed he has “never really considered” himself a candidate for the Caltex Socceroos but is happy the compliments coming his way.
Grant was one of Sydney’s best players in their 2-1 win over Melbourne Victory on Saturday night as he set up David Carney’s winning goal, with the versatile 25-year-old continuing his strong start to the 2016/17 Hyundai A-League season.
With Australia coach Ange Postecoglou struggling to settle on a permanent option at right-back, Grant’s name was mentioned as an option during Fox Sports’ broadcast of the Big Blue.
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Speaking on Monday, Grant conceded he’s never seriously believed he would earn a Socceroos call-up but was pleased to hear from some of his family members that his name had been mentioned on the broadcast.
The energetic full-back argued, however, that his performance in the Big Blue wasn’t his best.
“I think I’m doing ok but, to be fair, on the weekend I didn’t think I was that great,” he said.
“I made a few mistakes, I wasn’t too pleased with myself but everyone was giving me a rap, so I’ll take that on board and run with it.”
Sydney had entered their Round 5 fixture at Allianz Stadium without having conceded a goal this season but had to weather a Victory storm in the first half.
Victory missed two big opportunities – including a penalty from Besart Berisha – before Mitch Austin gave the visitors the lead but Grant was impressed with how the Sky Blues recovered.
Sydney’s win keeps them five points clear at the top of the A-League table with a perfect five wins.
“We haven’t had to come back from behind this season, so it was a good test of character for us and I think we stepped up and really came home in the second half and got the win, which was impressive,” Grant said.
