After re-signing for a further two years, Sydney FC utility Rhyan Grant is aiming to re-pay the faith that the club and staff have shown in him following his injury set back and recovery.
Returning after a 12 month layoff, in November 2014, Grant is hoping to accrue as many minutes as possible and return to the form that saw him awarded a Foxtel A-League All Stars position and Players’ Player of the Year award in 2013.
“Coming off a pretty serious injury I’m glad the club has shown faith in me,” he said.
“I’ve only been back a couple of months, so it’s good that Arnie and the Board and Tony Pignata have shown faith in me. I’m stoked to be staying.
“It means a lot [the faith shown in me],” he continued.
“I’ve been back for a little bit, but I was out for a while, and if I can try and get back to my best this season and re-pay that faith in the next couple of years that’s what I’ll be trying to do.
“I’m very thankful not only for the new contract but also the way they treated me when I was injured especially Arnie and Clarky, they’ve looked after me the last couple of months.”
Grant said he’s aiming to become the Sky Blues first 10 year player following his re-signing, as he showed what he’s capable of with a spectacular strike on Saturday against the Central Coast Mariners in a 4-2 victory.
“Being at the club since 2008 I’d really like to be the club’s first 10 year player,” he said.
“I’ve looked up to Terry [McFlynn] who set the standard in his nine years hear and it’d be a huge honour to emulate what he’s achieved with Sydney FC.
“I’m still trying to get back to my best this season,” he continued.
“I’m trying to stay injury free and look after myself and try and get that form back and then pushing into next season and trying to get back to where I was.
“I’m pretty keen for pre-season next year to start from the start and really be amongst it with the boys and try and cement a starting spot.
“But it’s happy days at the moment signing a new contract and scoring a pretty decent goal. I was pretty pleased to be honest.”
Sydney FC travel to Pirtek Stadium on Saturday for the third #SydneyDerby of the year looking to continue their unbeaten start to 2015. Follow @SydneyFC on Twitter for LIVE match updates or catch the match on Fox Sports 4 (kick off 7:30pm).
Sydney FC’s next home game is against Brisbane Roar on Sunday 15th March at Allianz Stadium (kick off 5pm). Purchase tickets today or become a Member and ensure you don’t miss a moment of Hyundai A-League action by heading to www.ticketek.com.au/sydneyfc
