London: Mat Ryan hailed Brighton’s journey into the top half of the Premier League as he prepared to embark on his own marathon round-the-world trip.
The Australia goalkeeper kept a fourth clean sheet of the season as Glenn Murray’s winner at Swansea gave Brighton successive top-flight away wins for the first time since 1983 and plunged the Welsh club into the relegation zone.
It was the perfect boost for Ryan ahead of a World Cup play-off with Honduras which will determine whether the Socceroos will be at next summer’s finals in Russia.
“I’ve got two massive games now and we’ll be doing everything as a nation to get there,” Ryan said.
“I leave for Honduras now and after the game continue that way to Sydney for the second leg.
“I’m coming back to London through Dubai so I’m literally going around the world, but I’m not complaining by any means.
“It’s part of being an Australian footballer and I wouldn’t change anything to go and represent my country.
“The pinnacle of being a footballer is playing in the Premier League and getting the chance to go to a World Cup, so I’ll focus on recovery now and getting to Honduras in the best shape I can.”
Ryan, in truth, was not overly-exerted at the Liberty Stadium as Swansea spluttered in front of goal once again.
Premier League new boys Brighton had a late scare when Swansea substitute Luciano Narsingh struck the crossbar in stoppage time.
But it was another solid defensive performance from Chris Hughton’s Seagulls, who have now lost only once in six games.
“The confidence is high and I’ve always felt in my experience that when things are going well you just let your instincts take over,” said Ryan, a summer signing from Valencia.
“I’m in a bit of rhythm with the guys and everyone is similar. We’ve had that adaptation phase with players coming in and getting used to the league.
“The improvements are there to be seen and we’re just growing and growing.”
AAP
Source : The Canberra Times
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