Socceroos No.1 Mat Ryan on new goalkeeping coach Hans Segers and those Manchester United rumours

So much of the art of goalkeeping is about keeping a clear head, so it no surprise that Socceroos stopper Mat Ryan is keen to soak up more experience from Australia’s newest coach but remains circumspect on those Manchester United rumours.

Ryan has been in impressive form for club and country. (Annette Dew)

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Update: Socceroos custodian Mat Ryan has welcomed the fresh outlook of Australia’s new goalkeeper coach Hans Segers.

Segers has replaced Tony Franken — who remains employed by Football Federation Australia ­ on the Socceroos coaching staff.

The 57-year-old Dutchman, whose playing career included stints at PSV Eindhoven, Wimbledon and Tottenham, will remain in the role until the end of January’s Asian Cup.

He first linked with the Socceroos last month when Australia beat Kuwait 4-0.

Ryan has been in impressive form for club and country. (AAP/Image Steve Pohlner)

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Ryan, who plays in the English Premier League for Brighton, missed the clash in Kuwait City through injury, and has only worked with Segers since the start of this week in preparation for the Socceroos-South Korea battle at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night.

But Ryan has enjoyed his limited time with Segers.

“He’s a guy with a tremendous amount of experience at the highest level of the game,” Ryan said of Segers.

“I’ve been thoroughly enjoying getting to know him and putting into practice his training style out on the pitch.

“Every type of coach is a little bit different, and has their own little take and a little bit of a different style, so it’s always nice to broaden your understanding of the position and knowledge of the game through all different people.”

The Socceroo isn’t looking for a house in Manchester just yet. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP)

Ryan’s form with Brighton led to reports earlier this month of him moving to Manchester United.

The 26-year-old former Central Coast Mariners gloveman admitted it was nice to be linked with a club of United’s stature.

“But I’m just focused on doing what I’m doing. Lots of those rumours float about throughout one’s career … and how often do you see a rumour come out that never eventuates?” he said.

Kruse yet to arrive as Socceroos train at Suncorp

ROBBIE Kruse was the only player missing as the Socceroos’ preparations for Saturday’s friendly against South Korea stepped up a notch on Wednesday night.

The Australians trained at match venue Suncorp Stadium in front of a few hundred spectators who took advantage of the fan-friendly session.

Queenslander Kruse was not due to arrive in Brisbane from Germany, where he plays for second division club Bochum, until late on Wednesday night.

Socceroos coach Graham Arnold directs training at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday night. Aarom Mooy is at right. Picture: AAP

The remainder of squad worked hard for 90 minutes under he watchful eye of coach Graham Arnold before an autograph session with the fans.

Among those watching training was “coach whisperer” and author Bradley Charles Stubbs.

Goalkeeper Mat Ryan said Saturday’s match was crucial for Australia’s 2019 Asian Cup preparations.

“It’s another opportunity for us to show the progress we are making under Armie (Arnold),” Ryan said.

Arnold said he was pleased with the Suncorp Stadium playing surface.

- Marco Monteverde

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