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Sydney FC captain Rhyan Grant says he never fully gave up on his Socceroos dream despite spending more than two years in the international wilderness.
Evergreen defender Rhyan Grant says he didn't see his Socceroos recall coming, but he hopes it will take him all the way to the 2026 World Cup.
Grant was among the surprise selections in Tony Popovic's squad for World Cup qualifiers against Saudi Arabia in Melbourne and Bahrain in Riffa.
The 33-year-old last played for the Socceroos in a 2-0 loss to Japan in March, 2022, and just last year declared the ship had probably sailed on his international career.
But Grant's hot form for Sydney FC over the past year convinced new Socceroos coach Popovic that the star right back deserved another chance at international level.
"I'm over the moon," Grant said on Friday.
"I didn't really see it coming. But to be back involved is something I'll cherish.
"I suppose you sort of dream you can get back in there.
"I'm not one to blow smoke up my own bum. But over the last 12 months I've been doing OK, and I'm doing something right to be called up."
The 2026 World Cup in North America is still 19 months away, meaning Grant will have to do everything right in order to remain in the Socceroos mix.
He is determined to do his best to make it happen.
"Of course," he said.
"I know the World Cup is still a number of years away, but to be in and around the national team set-up trying to qualify for a World Cup, you'd love to be a part of that.
"But I'm a realist, I know things happen, and it's still a long way away.
"For now, I'm embracing the moment and I'm going to make the most of it and really enjoy being back involved.
"You never know when it will be the last time you get to represent your country.
"If I get that chance to put that jersey on again, I'll give it everything I can."
Grant was one of three Sydney FC players to be selected by Popovic.
Sky Blues midfielder Anthony Caceres could make his Socceroos debut at age 32, while 20-year-old defender Hayden Matthews was called up for the first time.
"I don't believe that the door's closed for anyone, whether they are young or whether they are an experienced player," Popovic said.
"Whether it's Hayden Matthews at 20 years old, or Caceres or Rhyan Grant, They're not selected to just make up the numbers.
"They're here to impress, to train well and, if given the opportunity, to play with that honour of representing your country."