RYAN KEEN TO PROVE GOALKEEPING TALENTS

Australia senior national team skipper Mat Ryan has said he's eager to prove that he's still the real deal as he continues to play second fiddle to Alex Remiro at Real Sociedad in the Spanish La Liga. In a recent interview conducted as he turned 30 earlier this month, the Australia international said he doesn’t see himself as a number two. The Australia shot stopper is keen not to let the lack of game time at Real Sociedad affect his confidence especially in a World Cup year as he's eager to show his goalkeeping talents.

Ryan and Australia still have a lot of work to do when it comes to qualifying for the World Cup tournament in Qatar as they have to overcome the United Arab Emirates in the Asian playoffs before seeing off South American nation Peru in the inter-confederation playoffs. Australia will qualify for the Qatar 2022 World Cup if they can navigate their way past the United Arab Emirates and Peru. The Australians would be in Group D alongside world champions France, Euro 2020 semifinalists Denmark and African team Tunisia if they qualify for the World Cup tournament later this year.

Ryan signed for Real Sociedad at the start of the season following his loan spell at Arsenal during the second half of last season. Ryan was on loan at North London team Arsenal from fellow Premier League outfit Brighton and Hove Albion. The shot stopper has made nine appearances in all competitions this season and has hardly made an error in goal.

Australia international Ryan has not featured in the Spanish La Liga since the middle of December last year. His two appearances for Real Sociedad this year were in the Europa League in February.

Despite his lack of playing time at club level, he remains a key player for the Socceroos in their World Cup quest this year.