Mat Ryan seals 'surreal' loan move to Arsenal

The 28-year-old Socceroos keeper has ensured there’ll remain an Australian playing presence in England’s top-flight with his loan transfer from Brighton and Hove Albion until the end of the season.

Ryan will start as back-up to first-choice Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno, with Alex Runarsson set to head out on loan, but he seems set to be plunged straight into the Gunners’ squad for their FA Cup fourth round tie against Southampton.

Yet in his first interview with Arsenal’s official website, Ryan made it clear on Friday that he has not gone to one of the world’s biggest clubs merely to play second fiddle.

“I’ve never been a goalkeeper where I’ve liked to sit on the bench,” Ryan told www.arsenal.com.