Mat Ryan calls on fellow goalkeepers Joe Gauci and Tom Glover to believe in themselves in England

Socceroos skipper Mat Ryan is keen to see fellow glovemen Joe Gauci and Tom Glover prosper in England.

Socceroos goalkeeper Mat Ryan is keen to see Joe Gauci and Tom Glover do well. Picture: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images

Socceroos captain and goalkeeper Mat Ryan has urged former Adelaide United gloveman Joe Gauci to “back” himself at English Premier League club Aston Villa.

Gauci, currently in Socceroos camp with Ryan and Middlesbrough custodian Tom Glover for Australia’s FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lebanon, joined Villa last month after the Asian Cup.

He is yet to make a first-team appearance for his new club, where he battles with Sweden’s Robin Olsen to be the second-choice keeper behind established No.1, Argentina’s World Cup-winning gloveman Emiliano Martinez.

Glover, who joined Middlesbrough last year, has made 20 appearances in all competitions for the English second-tier outfit.

“My advice always to the boys going over there to whatever club it is, is to back themselves,” said Ryan, who played from Premier League clubs Brighton and Arsenal.

“They’ve been chosen to go over there for a reason. They’ve been scouted. selected and signed because of their qualities, and you don’t get anywhere without your self-belief.

“Tommy’s played quite a few games this season, which is obviously good for him and his development. and Joe’s just made the move and fingers crossed can do well over there and continue to do Australia proud.”

Joe Gauci is working hard to make an impression at Aston Villa. Picture: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images

Ryan – who since leaving England has had spells in Spain, Denmark and the Netherlands, where he currently plays for AZ Alkmaar – said he had a “good working relationship” with Gauci and Ryan.

“We try to better ourselves, and even off the training pitch, just having chats with them, talking about their experiences … I’m keen to hear their stories and how they’re going,” he said.

“The team comes first We all compete with one another trying to earn the right to get the call up to play. That’s never taken for granted and it’s always earned.

“Thankfully, we’ve got a good working relationship”

Meanwhile. Central Coast Mariners striker Alou Kuol was among the scorers as the Olyroos qualified for the West Asian Football Federation under-23 championship semi-finals with a 2-1 win over Iraq.

Using the tournament to prepare for next month’s under-23 Asian Cup, which doubles as Olympic Games qualifiers, the Olyroos led 2-0 after 15 minutes through goals from Kuol and former Adelaide United midfielder Louis D’Arrigo, who now plays his club football for Polish team Lechia Gdańsk.

Iraq halved the Australians’ lead in the 48th minute, but the Olyroos – who were invited to take part in the tournament – held on to book a semi-final date with another of the invitees, Egypt.