Socceroos; Captain Mat Ryan says new faces will bring energy

Socceroos skipper Mat Ryan has welcomed the addition of fellow goalkeeper Joe Gauci to Australia’s squad, claiming the Adelaide United gloveman is among a host of new faces who will add “energy” to the national squad.

The retirement from international football of veteran Central Coast Mariners custodian Danny Vukovic opened the door for 22-year-old Gauci to be one of the three keepers named in the Socceroos’ squad for this month’s two-game series against Ecuador.

Netherlands-based Ryan hasn’t previously spent much time with Gauci, but praised the ability of the keeper currently regarded as his long-term successor.

“I met him face-to-face for the first time; my first impressions is that (he’s) a real down to earth, humble kid, real genuine and no doubt has a hard working mentality as well,” Ryan said of Gauci.

“He’s been very pivotal for Adelaide as well, coming up with big moments and big saves that make the difference and change the results of games.

“He’s physically a very good size for a goalkeeper as well. He’s a big, strong, tall boy and it’ll be nice to work together with him along with ‘Redders’ (Sydney FC goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne).

“He can bring that competition as well.”

And while Gauci will soak up Ryan’s experience and nous, the Socceroos captain said he himself could also learn from the Reds’ keeper.

“I always believe that you can learn something from anyone, so I’m sure I could learn something from him and from all the other young boys who are coming in as well,” Ryan said.

“I’m really looking forward to this youthfulness that is going to be coming in, this energy that we’ll get from that as well, and seeing what exciting talent can come in and make the most of their opportunity and make us stronger.”

The youth brigade also includes Gauci’s Adelaide teammate, Nestory Irankunda, the 17-year-old whiz-kid who will join the Socceroo squad as a train-on player.

“It’s only good for us as a national team that these guys are taking their opportunities and fingers crossed he can continue with that (A-League) form,” Ryan said of Irankunda.

“If he is an inquisitive guy, hopefully the other senior boys in the group can have an impact and influence on him to raise his game and that he can become an even better player from being in (the Socceroos camp).”

Ryan also praised fellow Socceroo and Adelaide captain Craig Goodwin for “mentoring” Irankunda at club level.

“He’s got his arm around his shoulder and he’s sharing his experience,” Ryan said.

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