The low-key 26-year-old Sydney FC right-back was on Wednesday named in Postecoglou’s extended 30-man squad for the upcoming 2018 World Cup qualifiers against Iraq and UAE.

Grant’s name had been thrown up earlier in the season around Socceroos selection but at the time he laughed it off.

It’s now almost reality, with the 30-man squad to be trimmed to 23 next week, but Grant remains reluctant about his chances of making the final cut despite Arnold’s coercion.

“That’s a tough one,” Grant said when asked if he felt he was ready for the international level.

“I never really held myself in this company.

“When you talk to Arnie, he said before ‘I’ve done really well and I deserve it’.

“When someone with a bit knowledge of game says something like that, you’ve got to take it on board and run with it.”

Grant’s words show his sense of unease at his international rise but Arnold has provided him with much encouragement.

“He said ‘go in there and feel like you deserve it’,” Grant said.

“’You don’t want to go in there and be afraid or intimidated. Do what you do’.”

“(Ange) would only pick you if he thought you belonged there. I’ve got to believe that. I’m excited to be named.”

Grant got the nod over Josh Risdon and Jason Geria in the squad at right-back.

The Canowindra-born defender admitted his role at Sydney might have helped his international case.

“The way I play with Arnie is similar to how the Socceroos play with their full-backs trying to get forward and help out in their attacks,” he said.

“Playing in such a good team as we are this year, it helps, with such good players around you putting things on a platter.

“It makes it easier when you’re in a good team.”