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Game time gives me the Socceroos edge: Ryan

Goalkeeper Mat Ryan believes playing regularly in Belgium gives him an inside running for the vacant Socceroos role.

Ryan, 21, and Borussia Dortmund understudy Mitch Langerak, 25, will vie for the goalkeeping role for the November 19 friendly against Costa Rica in Sydney.

The pair will duel in a training camp under new coach Ange Postecoglou next week, with Ryan hoping his exploits for Club Brugge help him win the national job.

“I have been making my case in Belgium, making some important saves and performing consistently each week, and hopefully that can play into my favour when it comes to the national team,” Ryan told SBS.

“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.”

Ryan said his battle with Langerak would be a friendly rivalry.

“Mitch has stepped up for Dortmund in some big games, he has done well and shown he can handle that pressure also,” he said.

“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 was stunned when veteran Mark Schwarzer announced his retirement from international ranks hours before Postecoglou named a 22-man squad for the Costa Rican friendly.

“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,” he said.

“He is just the ultimate professional and he has left a huge legacy.”

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