Mat Ryan is banking regular match-time for Belgian side Club Brugge to put him in the box seat to be Mark Schwarzer's replacement for the Socceroos.
Mat Ryan is banking regular match-time for Belgian side Club Brugge to put him in the box seat to be Mark Schwarzer's replacement for the Socceroos.
Ryan is part of Ange Postecoglou's 22-man squad for the November 19 friendly against Costa Rica and appears in a head-to-head battle with Mitch Langerak for the number one jersey.
While Langerak is currently second choice at Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund, Ryan has been playing every week and is in strong form in his domestic league.
"I have been making my case in Belgium, making some important saves and performing consistently each week," Ryan told SBS.
"Hopefully that can play into my favour when it comes to the national team.
"At the top level, in my opinion, you need to be getting regular game time to be at your best.
"And maybe that is to my advantage a little bit right now."
Langerak started in the Socceroos most recent friendlies against France and Canada but new boss Postecoglou will wait to see how they perform in training before deciding which way he goes.
"Mitch has stepped up for Dortmund in some big games, he has done well and shown he can handle that pressure also," Ryan said of his battle with Langerak.
"Hopefully we can bring out the best in each other and the national team will benefit from that over the coming years.
"Mitch is a great guy and I get on with him off the field, I don't think anybody in the world would not get on with him. He always has a smile on his face and a friendly word.
"I am sure it will be a case of us getting on well, working hard at training, and the best man getting the spot and playing."
Ryan said Schwarzer's decision to quit the national team just seven months out from the World Cup came as a shock but he was grateful for the influence the veteran gloveman had on his career.
"He has been a hero of mine and the way he has trained and conducted himself has given me an insight into what is required to succeed at the top level, both on and off the pitch," the 21-year-old said.
"He is just the ultimate professional and he has left a huge legacy."
Upcoming Match Details
Socceroos vs Costa Rica Tuesday 19 November 2013 Allianz Stadium, Sydney Kick Off: 7.30pm Gates Open: 6.00pm
The match will be broadcast live and exclusive on FOX SPORTS.
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