Former Portsmouth defender Alex Grant slotting seamlessly into Perth Glory’s starting line-up

IF former Socceroos defender Dino Djulbic wants to slot straight back into Perth Glory’s starting line-up, he faces one hell of a fight.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 19: Alex Grant of the Glory heads the ball against Romeo Castelen of the Wanderers during the round 11 A-League match between the Perth Glory and the Western Sydney Wanderers at nib Stadium on December 19, 2015 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

IF former Socceroos defender Dino Djulbic wants to slot straight back into Perth Glory’s line-up, he faces one hell of a fight.

Djulbic is still at least four weeks away from a playing return after suffering a serious ankle injury in early November.

In his absence, former Portsmouth defender Alex Grant has slotted seamlessly into the starting XI, playing an important role in the club’s four-game unbeaten run.

And Grant has no plans on giving up his spot once Djulbic is ready to return.

“They’re saying I’m filling his position. But I’d like to hope I can keep it now,” Grant said ahead of Saturday’s A-League clash with Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium.

“I’ve picked up a few starts now. I’m making the most of it. “Every game I play I’m racking up the experience.

“I’m thoroughly enjoying it. It’s a great opportunity for myself.” Glory are now within three points of sixth spot after snaring two wins and two draws from their past four games.

But they face a tough task to topple the second-placed Roar, who dismantled fellow title contenders Melbourne City 3-1 on Sunday. Glory will again be without free kick specialist Nebojsa Marinkovic (hamstring) as they attempt to bank their first away win of the season.

Grant, 21, was born in Manchester, but moved to Perth as a child.

Alex Grant of the Glory heads the ball against Wanderers’ Romeo Castelen this month. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

He signed a two-year scholarship with Portsmouth in 2010, but failed to notch a game for the English club.

Low-key loan stints with Eastleigh, Havant and Waterlooville FC, and Macclesfield Town followed over the next few years, before Grant returned home to sign with Glory in June.

Grant has adjusted well to the standard of football in the A-League.

But the stifling Perth heat hasn’t been so easy on him.

“Oh god, I can’t stand the heat,” he said with a laugh.

“I’m not a massive fan. That’s something the league needs to look at (with its heat policy).

“It takes it out of you. Lads do struggle with it quite a lot.”

Originally published as Former Portsmouth defender Alex Grant slotting seamlessly into Perth Glory’s starting line-up