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Socceroo Ryan overlooked again by Brighton

3 minute read

Socceroos goalkeeper Mat Ryan's future at English Premier League club Brighton looks increasingly clouded after he missed out for a second straight match.

MAT RYAN.
MAT RYAN. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Mat Ryan's time at English Premier League club Brighton is almost certainly over with the Socceroos goalkeeper overlooked again for the clash with Sheffield United.

Sunday's game was the second in a row Ryan has been left out of the matchday squad by Seagulls' coach Graham Potter, with Spaniard Robert Sanchez starting and Jason Steele on the bench.

Danny Welbeck's 87th-minute strike salvaged a 1-1 draw for 16th-placed Brighton after the winless Blades went ahead via Jayden Bogle's opener.

Potter dropped Ryan for the midweek fixture against Fulham and indicated after that match he would not stand in the 28-year-old's way if he requested a move in the upcoming January transfer window.

Since joining Brighton from Valencia for a then club-record fee in 2017, Ryan has featured in 121 of 127 top-flight fixtures for the Seagulls.

He was dropped for 23-year-old Sanchez at Tottenham at the start of last month but returned to the starting role before his axing ahead of the Fulham match.

With fellow Socceroo Aaron Mooy having left Brighton to join Chinese giants Shanghai SIPG in August, Ryan is the only Australian player in the Premier League.

Whether he will seek a transfer remains unclear but his agent, the former Denmark international Mikkel Beck, retweeted a link to an Optus Sport podcast in which Harry Kewell indicated a move could be a good thing for the goalkeeper.

"We all know what a wonderful keeper he is, I'm a huge fan," Kewell told the GegenPod Football Podcast.

"He's capable of breaking into a top-six team. He's got the attitude. He's got the mentality. His ability between the sticks with his hands is excellent.

"The possibility of him going to another club is excellent but you've got to realise you're not going to get it your own way. Sometimes you have to fight."

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