TWELVE months ago Rhyan Grant was recovering from the second knee reconstruction of his career and simply hoping to fight his way back into Sydney FC's starting side - what he got was much more than that.
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Now Grant not only has another A-League grand final success story to his credit - the Bathurst District Football graduate scoring from the spot as Sydney FC beat Perth Glory in a penalty shoot-out - but nine Socceroos caps as well.
He made his Socceroos debut last November in a friendly against Lebanon, went on the play in the Asian Cup and is now part of the national squad working towards qualifying for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
In the Socceroos' first qualifier earlier this month - a match they won 3-0 against Kuwait - his cross played a role in Aaron Mooy's 38th minute goal.
Come the second qualifier against Nepal in Canberra on October 10, he shapes as a key figure once more.
Grant has certainly grown in confidence and while more challenges lie ahead, what he has achieved in the past 12 months is evidence that he can handle those challenges.
"Over the last year I've developed as a footballer and as a person," Grant told www.socceroos.com.au.
"I've seen different cultures and travelled around the world, and getting to train with some world-class players here has definitely benefited me.
"To continue being part of this set up and part of this team is a massive honour to me."
Meanwhile, Sydney FC will aim to start their A-League Premiership defence on a positive note later this month, when they head to Hindmarsh Stadium to take on Adelaide United in the first game of the season proper.
United will head into the game full of confidence after a strong and still ongoing FFA Cup campaign, where they will take on the Central Coast Mariners in a semi-final tonight that could well be their last match before the regular season begins against Grant's Sky Blues.
The match kicks-off at 7.30pm on Friday, October 11.
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