Matty Ryan refuses to rule out a possible return to the A-League

Australia international Matty Ryan has refused to rule out a possible return to the A-League during the final stages of his professional career. The 27-year-old is currently plying his trade in the Premier League with Brighton & Hove Albion whom he has helped to beat the drop with consistent performances in the past two seasons.

Speaking in a press conference, Ryan revealed that he is currently enjoying his time with the Seagulls, who have cemented their place in the English top-flight. Despite this, he has acknowledged that a return to Australia could be on the cards when he approaches the final phase of his professional career, he said: “You never say never. I’m 27, us goalkeepers – like [Mark] Schwarzer – can go on to 40. Hopefully I have quite a long time left. I very much love this country and any way that I can give back and help, and grow the game here, is definitely going to be looked at.”

Ryan has been building up his reputation over the past few years and the move to the Premier League has certainly taken his performances up a notch. There were initially doubts whether the shot-stopper has the credentials to live to the demands of the Premier League but he has certainly proved his worth with a number of standout displays with Brighton.

Nonetheless, the Seagulls were found flocking with danger during the backend of the previous league campaign and they may need to strengthen the squad further to avoid the drop for another season. The Seaside outfit have already acted with the dismissal of Chris Hughton from the head coach role and Graham Potter has now been tasked with the job of keeping them in the Premier League beyond the 2019/2020 season. The 44-year-old was previously in the ranks of Swansea City.