Sydney FC head coach Ufuk Talay has confirmed central defender Alex Grant has been called up by Subway Socceroos boss Tony Popovic for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers with Indonesia and China.
Called up alongside midfield star Anthony Caceres, 31-year-old Grant is now in line for his first ever Socceroos cap after answering the call from Popovic amidst an injury crisis at centre back.
The central defender impressed for the Sky Blues during their thrilling 3-2 win over Jeonbuk Motors in the second leg of their ACL Two clash at Allianz Stadium, a result which saw Ufuk Talay’s side qualify for the semi-finals of the competition care of a 5-2 aggregate win.
“Should I guess, or should I tell you the truth?” laughed Talay when asked by journalists which Sky Blues players would be named in Friday’s Socceroos squad.
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“I think Cas (Caceres) and Alex Grant will get called up for the national team, which is great for us, and great for Cas again, and Alex Grant as well.
“You know, he’s had a lot of time off and now he’s getting some football, and it’s getting recognised, which is fantastic for us and very proud as a club.
“Also Sega (Adrian Segecic) and Corey (Hollman) will go away with the Under 23’s. You know, we had Tiago (Quintal) and Gus (Hoefsloot) go away with the 20’s, and a great achievement by them as well. So very proud of our players that are doing well and also represent their country as well.”
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Already without defensive duo Harry Souttar and Alessandro Circati due to season-ending injuries, Popovic has turned to Grant following an injury crisis which has also seen former Sydney star Hayden Matthews and J League centre back Thomas Deng all ruled out.
Despite the decision already being made, Socceroos assistant Hayden Foxe was in attendance at Allianz Stadium on Thursday night to witness Grant score the goal which saw the Sky Blues make it 1-2 on the night, but crucially take a 3-2 aggregate lead in the tie.
Goals from Polish striker Patryk Klimala and a penalty from Brazilian star Douglas Costa then saw Sydney FC wrap up a stunning 3-2 win, 5-2 on aggregate.
“Well, he’s definitely a defender (which is) a great thing,” quipped Talay when asked about Grant’s qualities, given the Sky Blues have also endured their own defensive issues this season.
“He’s also comfortable on the ball, he also gives us experience. He also gives us presence and height as well in that back line.
“We’ve managed him through the weeks to make him available for games, because that’s where we earn our money on the weekend. And I think he’s done a great job every time he’s actually put on the jersey.”
Grant has played four matches since joining the Sky Blues in the mid-season transfer window having most recently played for Chinese Super League side Tianjin Jinmen.
Currently sat second in World Cup qualifying Group B, the Socceroos face Indonesia at Allianz Stadium on March 20 before taking on China in Hangzhou on March 25.
Popovic’s side will then play Japan at Optus Stadium in Perth before rounding out their qualifying campaign in Saudi Arabia on June 10.
