A starting debut for the Socceroos and 90 minutes under his belt will do wonders for Rhyan Grant’s confidence, the Sky Blues’ fullback believes.
A starting debut for the Socceroos and 90 minutes under his belt will do wonders for Rhyan Grant’s confidence, the Sky Blues’ fullback believes.
After a solid showing at ANZ Stadium against Lebanon, Grant said he’d be carrying that form back to Sydney FC for Sunday’s massive #BigBlue encounter at Jubilee Stadium (kick off 5pm AEDT), as he explained Tuesday night was a dream come true.
“To play for your country is always an ambition as a footballer and to do that on Tuesday was something I’ll never forget,” Grant said.
“I would have been happy with any minutes, but to get a start and play 90 is a dream come true and I’m over the moon with that.
“I think the transition for me to be able to play a very similar brand of football to what I play at club level made it a little bit easier for me.
“Knowing the staff and what they expect definitely helps when you make your debut on the international stage. I was very lucky to have that behind me and know what they wanted.
“Confidence does a lot for every player,” he continued.
“If you have that confidence, you’re always able to find form so it’s just one of those things you need to take over in transition back into club football.
“I’m very comfortable at Sydney FC and we’re doing quite well so it won’t be too hard to try and continue that confidence [on Sunday at Jubilee Stadium.]”
Returning from Socceroos camp into preparations for Sunday’s #BigBlue, Grant said his body was feeling fine as he looks ahead to stepping out in front of what’s expected to be a thunderous atmosphere in Kogarah.
“We’re professional footballers so in today’s modern game we should be able to back up quite quick,” Grant said.
“I’m lucky enough at Sydney FC the last couple of weeks have been full on with the Cup Final and the league. I won’t say I’m used to it but I know how to get past it and make sure I’m all good for Sunday.
“It’ll be a huge game against one of our biggest rivals,” he continued.
“The Big Blue is always tough and always a great game. It’s something to look forward to and we definitely go out there expecting to win.
“Playing at Kogarah will be nice, to get on that pitch and good turnout and put on a good show.
“We’ve always had good support and it’s good that even though we’ve got a few home grounds this season, our Members and fans follow us around and we definitely appreciate them getting out and around and making that effort.
“If they can pack out Kogarah, I think it’s a great stadium, it’ll be a great day with the double header. I’m looking forward to it and it’ll be great to have a packed house and all the fans cheering us home.”
Sydney FC face Melbourne Victory in a massive #BigBlue double header at Jubilee Stadium, Kogarah, on Sunday 25 November. The Westfield W-League squad get things started at 2:30pm, ahead of the Hyundai A-League encounter at 5pm.
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