MATHEW Ryan was a Twitter sensation at AAMI Park against Melbourne Heart in round 16 last season. But, he’d prefer the team, rather than himself, trends this Sunday!
SHOT stopper Mathew Ryan had a memorable encounter with Melbourne Heart at AAMI Park last season but is hoping that he will not be as busy when they face off this Sunday.
In round 16 last season Ryan produced one of the best displays of goalkeeping in Hyundai A-League history. Ryan pulled off countless freakish saves which ensured an 89th minute goal to Adam Kwasnik would be enough to win the match 1-0 and extend the Mariners unbeaten streak to 14 games.
During the clash against Heart, Ryan-s celebrity status increased thanks to social media. Indeed, his performance sparked the twitter hash tag #ThingsMatRyanCanStop, with a host of fans contributing a range of hilarious examples and praising his ability.
Despite a comical list that included “Chuck Norris”, “the music”, “hammer-time”, and “my in laws from visiting”, Ryan hopes he won-t be busy enough to trend nationally again on Sunday.
“It-s always good to play an influential part in the game, and that Melbourne Heart game was pretty memorable,” he said. “But for the team-s sake I hope I-m not that busy and I can just sit back, relax and watch the boys put a few away.”
“It-s always good to have people talking about you – it-s a bit of a laugh so you can sit back with the boys and have a bit of a banter about it.”
A lengthy eight day turn around from Saturday night will be sufficient time for the Mariners to bounce back after their controversial loss to Newcastle Jets.
But rather than licking their wounds they have hit the training track and set their ambitions on all three points this weekend. Ryan is confident they will achieve just that.
“We-ve obviously had a positive start to the season so far, except for the weekend where I think we had a few harsh calls, so we will be going over there like every other game and expecting to get the three points,” he said.
The 20-year-old has burst onto the scene impressing everyone who has had the pleasure to watch him in front of the sticks. His hard work at the Mariners last season was rewarded with a trip to England that ‘interrupted- his pre-season this year.
In August Ryan had the privilege of training with English heavyweights Tottenham Hotspur at their London headquarters where he learnt many valuable lessons, specifically from experienced American custodian Brad Friedel.
“Obviously it is a great experience, going over there and mixing it with the best in the game. The facilities and quality of players raised my game to another level in my opinion.
“I-m just trying to implement a few things I learnt from the senior keeper over there, Brad Friedel and once it becomes consistent it will result in clean sheets,” he said.
On top of club success and individual accolades, the next step for Ryan is the chance to reappear in the Qantas Socceroos squad.
Nevertheless, Ryan is not looking too far ahead and is more focused on his form for the Mariners. The rest, he believes, will take care of itself.
“Representing Australia would be a great achievement, I have made it a little personal goal on the side,” he said. “I just have to concentrate on playing here for the Mariners at the moment and hopefully putting in good performances.”
“Holger [Osieck] has shown before that he picks players that are in form, so if I-m doing well here with the Mariners I can-t see why I possibly couldn-t get the number three spot, which would be a great experience but I-m not getting to far ahead of myself,” Ryan concluded.
Melbourne Heart vs. Central Coast Mariners
Sunday 28 October – Kick-off: 3:00pm (local)
AAMI Park, Melbourne
Twitter: Follow LIVE match updates via the Central Coast Mariners official Twitter handle.
