The Roar's A-League Men tips and predictions: Round 26 - the jostle for finals positions is on in earnest
Here is the way the Roar expert panel sees all the action unfolding across the final weekend of play prior to the semi-finals.
Long serving Sydney FC players Sebastian Ryall and Rhyan Grant have penned new deals to stay at the A-League club until the end of the 2016/17 season.
The two-year contract extension means Grant, who has only every played for the Sky Blues since joining them as a youth player in 2008, will remain with the club for a ninth season.
The 23-year-old has played in virtually every position during his 86 appearances.
But coach Graham Arnold said after his side’s 4-2 win over the Central Coast on Saturday, in which Grant scored a long-range missile, he sees the utility becoming the permanent right-back for the side.
“Rhyan is a fantastic player to have at my disposal,” Arnold said on Tuesday.
“His willingness to support the team and be able to cover various positions makes him a great utility but we do see him now cementing a role in one place.
“Seb is very much part of the future of the club and I can see him going on to be a long term fixture here.”
Both Grant and Ryall were part of the triumphant Sydney who side who claimed the championship and premiers’ plate in 2009/10.
Grant said he could see the club reaching similar heights under Arnold.
“I’ve been at Sydney FC since I was a seventeen year old, I couldn’t fathom playing for any other A-League club,” he said.
“I’ve enjoyed winning silverware at Sydney FC and under head coach Graham Arnold I believe we can claim further trophies, so to be extending my stay under Arnie is really exciting.”
Ryall, who joined Sydney in 2009 from Melbourne Victory, is one of only five Sky Blues players to have made over 100 appearances for the club and is second on the club’s all-time A-League appearances chart (121) behind Terry McFlynn (178).
“The club has big ambitions to win many more A-League titles and compete at the highest level in Asia and I’m delighted that I have the chance to be a part of it,” the 25-year-old defender said.
Both players will be available for Saturday’s heated derby against the Western Sydney Wanderers at Pirtek Stadium.
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Here is the way the Roar expert panel sees all the action unfolding across the final weekend of play prior to the semi-finals.
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