Asian Cup 2015: Mat Ryan credits Iker Casillas, Danny Vukovic for inspiring rise

IKER Casillas and Danny Vukovic make the unlikely pairing who inspired Socceroos goalkeeper Mat Ryan to reach for the top of his profession.

Matt Ryan after speaking to the media at The Shangri-La Hotel , Sydney.Picture Gregg Porteous

ONE has tasted success in the World Cup and the Champions League while the other has carved a reputation as one of the A-League’s most reliable goalkeepers.

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But together Iker Casillas and Danny Vukovic make the unlikely pairing who inspired Mat Ryan to reach for the top.

Given encouragement by Casillas that goalkeepers weren’t constrained by the stereotype of needing height and power, the Socceroos custodian learnt from Vukovic in rather closer focus.

Both were motivational as he set out on the journey from western Sydney kickabouts to Saturday night’s Asian Cup final.

“I always liked Casillas because he has a similar bodyshape,” Ryan said.

“Especially when I was younger there was a lot of emphasis put on physical attributes, especially height and so on, and I always took a lot of pride in what he did.

“But also with the time difference to Europe, I was mainly watching the A-League and there was Danny Vukovic. He went to Westfield Sports High, which was (later) my school, we had the same keeper-coach in John Crawley and obviously he was at the Mariners. I idolised him growing up as well.

Mat Ryan paid tribute to Iker Casillas and Danny Vukovic.

“When I first went to the Mariners we were at the club together, before he went overseas. I picked his brain, talking all things football. Even now I keep in touch with him through social media and messages. He wears his heart on his sleeve, a very passionate guy - each to their own, it works for him in having a tremendous career - and probably he’s unlucky he’s not playing overseas.”

Ryan’s debt to Crawley is well documented but there’s another hero too for the 22-year-old, one who will be in the crowd at ANZ Stadium hoping for the ultimate payback on years of support.

Ryan would like nothing more than for a “victory lap” to go past his mother in the stands - and for the 50-odd family and friends for whom he is trying to procure tickets.

“Without resorting to cliches, and I know many people have gone through similar things but she was a single mum from when I was a young age,” Ryan said.

“She’s supported me, put up the football fees while she was a single mum from when me and my sister were 10 and eight.

“There were things along the way, driving me to training and that - it goes a long way. I dare say she’s pretty proud. My whole family are proud, I see all my little cousins there supporting me after a game - it’s a nice feeling.

“When I go out there before the game I might have a little look to see where they are. We’ve played one game (in Sydney) already so maybe I’ll look round that area. But my mind will be on the job - in the Newcastle game I didn’t know where they were until final whistle, so I won’t be looking too hard.

“Mind on the job first then hopefully I can do a victory lap.”

Originally published as Asian Cup 2015: Mat Ryan credits Iker Casillas, Danny Vukovic for inspiring rise