Sydney FC’s head coach, Ufuk Talay, has announced that central defender Alex Grant received a call-up from Subway Socceroos manager Tony Popovic for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Indonesia and China.
Joining him is midfield standout Anthony Caceres, and at 31 years old, Grant is poised to earn his first Socceroos cap after being selected by Popovic during a time of injury woes in the centre-back position.
Grant showcased his skills during the Sky Blues’ exhilarating 3-2 victory over Jeonbuk Motors in the ACL Two clash at Allianz Stadium, a win that propelled Talay’s team into the semi-finals with a 5-2 aggregate scoreline.
When reporters probed Talay about which Sky Blues players would be included in Friday’s Socceroos squad, he chuckled, “Should I speculate or give you the honest answer?”
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“I reckon Cas (Caceres) and Alex Grant will be called up, which is fantastic for us, and for Cas again, and for Alex Grant as well,” he stated.
“He’s had a considerable time away from the game, and now he’s getting some playtime, which is being acknowledged, and we’re incredibly proud as a club.”
“Additionally, Sega (Segecic) and Corey (Hollman) will join the Under 23s. We also had Tiago (Quintal) and Gus (Hoefsloot) away with the Under 20s – another commendable achievement. We take great pride in our players’ successes and their representation of the country.”
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After being left without defensive stalwarts Harry Souttar and Alessandro Circati due to season-ending injuries, Popovic has turned to Grant given the ongoing injury crisis that has also sidelined former Sydney player Hayden Matthews, Ipswich Town’s Cameron Burgess, and J League centre-back Thomas Deng.
Although the decision had already been made, Socceroos assistant coach Hayden Foxe was present at Allianz Stadium on Thursday evening to observe Grant score the pivotal equaliser that brought the score to 2-2 before a penalty from Douglas Costa sealed the win.
“He’s definitely a defender, which is a positive attribute,” Talay remarked when discussing Grant’s strengths.
“He’s comfortable with the ball, brings experience, and adds presence and height to our back line.”
“We’ve managed his fitness carefully so he’s available for match days because that’s where we see our value on the weekend. I believe he has performed admirably each time he has worn the jersey.”
Since joining the Sky Blues in the mid-season transfer window, Grant has featured in four matches, having previously played for Chinese Super League team Tianjin Jinmen.
Currently sitting second in Group B of the World Cup qualifiers, the Socceroos are scheduled to face Indonesia at Allianz Stadium on March 20, followed by China in Hangzhou on March 25.
Popovic’s squad will then go up against Japan at Optus Stadium in Perth, wrapping up their qualifying campaign in Saudi Arabia on June 10.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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