Ryan offering Maynard-Brewer key advice in first camp

Subway Socceroos captain and goalkeeper Mathew Ryan provided some early advice for new shot-stopper Ashley Maynard-Brewer as he looks to claim an up-for-grabs spot in the squad. 

Ryan has been an integral part of the Australian team over the past decade, lifting the Asian Cup in 2015 while playing in the nation’s last three world cups.      
 

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Maynard-Brewer is getting his first taste of Socceroos football this window and has impressed Ryan with his application so far. 

“I’m more than happy to hopefully help him grow as a goalkeeper,” Ryan said. 

“He’s in here, hungry and eager and wants to be a part of it, and competition is good.”

Long-standing goalkeeper Danny Vukovic’s retirement opened up a spot in the Socceroos' shot-stopping unit, but Maynard-Brewer faces competition to claim it. 

Adelaide United's Joe Gauci has previously impressed on debut against Ecuador in March 2023, and Andrew Redmayne, who missed out on the squad this time, started the domestic season brightly, showcasing his penalty heroics for Sydney FC in the Australia Cup.

Head Coach Graham Arnold remarked to media prior to camp commencing that on this occasion he was looking at players with match minutes in the tank while the A-League Men competition is in pre-season.

Middlesbrough’s new signing, Thomas Glover, is also in the squad for Mexico alongside Maynard-Brewer, and also has the chance to get his first minutes on the pitch in Australian colours this Sunday. 

Ashley Maynard-Brewer in Socceroos training during September 2023
Ashley Maynard-Brewer has been called into the Subway Socceroos squad for the first time after impressing at Charlton Athletic

With a tough challenge ahead of Maynard-Brewer, Ryan passed on some tips to the 24-year-old. 

Ryan explained that trying new techniques offered by different coaches has been important in taking him to his European adventures and Socceroos' success. 

“Try and learn as much as you can,” Ryan said.   

“You try and be a sponge. You approach things with an open mind.

“Each coach has different little details and subtleties that will make them a little bit different.

“It’s what I’ve tried to do myself and hasn’t seemed to work out too bad.” 

Ryan emphasised the importance of competition for places, with the emerging players in the squad getting the chance to put their names forward against Mexico on Sunday. 

International Friendly

Mexico vs Australia
Date: Sunday, 10 September 2023
Venue: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
Time: 12:00pm AEST, (9:00pm Saturday, 9 September local time)
Broadcast: Live on Network 10, 10 Play and Paramount+

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