Ryan wants to cause ripples against Reds

AUSSIE keeper Matt Ryan reckons he has found a little bit of Sydney on the English coast at Brighton – even if the sea is just for looking at!

Ryan, who signed for Albion from Valencia for £6million in June, faces Liverpool today having kept five clean sheets already.

So although it will be around 21 degrees colder than Down Under when Jurgen Klopp’s side arrive at The Amex – with no chance of a barbie – the 25-year-old is taking it in his stride.

“I’m really enjoying it here – on the pitch and off it,” said the keeper, who has guided Australia to the World Cup finals.

“There’s a great vibe about the place. I’ve got some nice views of the water from my apartment and I’m living in Hove so it’s a little more relaxed and residential with cafes and restaurants nearby.

“But it’s also not a long way into the centre of Brighton which is a real trendy area to be around. Of course I miss Australia, the lifestyle, weather and friends – but it’s pretty cool here.”

The only thing the Brighton keeper can’t do any more, however, is enjoy actually being in the water. “I’m not really a surfer – I was more of a bodyboarder back home – but the water in Brighton is pretty cold and the surf is not so good either,” he admitted.

“But all my friends who have come to visit have really enjoyed it here and I’ve enjoyed showing them around.”

The Aussie doesn’t plan to extend that hospitality to today’s visitors at the Amex – especially as he grew up an Arsenal fan!

“I remember getting up early one morning and watching the 4-4 draw at Anfield when Andrey Arshavin scored four goals,” he said. “Living in Australia you were pretty aware of Liverpool, especially when Harry Kewell (below) was playing for them. They are very popular Down Under.

“So I’m looking forward to the match. It’s a big game against an historic club and that’s a bit special.” The only problem is Liverpool arrive with a razor-sharp attack which includes goal machine Mohamed Salah. “Am I worried? No, worry is not the right word to use,” said Ryan. “I see it as a challenge. Look at our performance against United – people could have said we’d be worried about Lukaku but we delivered a performance which was probably at our highest level to date.”