Mat Ryan: Brighton goalkeeper has 'freedom' to leave, says Graham Potter
Mat Ryan was dropped for Brighton 0-0 draw at Fulham on Tuesday; Robert Sanchez replaced Ryan and will remain Brighton's first-choice goalkeeper for Sunday's game against Sheffield United, live on Sky Sports
Friday 18 December 2020 16:32, UK
Brighton boss Graham Potter admits he would be willing to allow out-of-favour goalkeeper Mat Ryan to leave the club in search of regular first-team football.
Ryan was dropped for Brighton's goalless draw at Fulham on Tuesday, with inexperienced Spaniard Robert Sanchez set to continue in goal for Sunday's clash with Sheffield United, live on Sky Sports.
Potter dismissed suggestions the Australia international has definitely played his final game for the Seagulls, but he does not intend to stand in Ryan's way should he request to move on.
Asked if Ryan will been seen again in a Brighton shirt, Potter replied: "I can't see into the future. But I wouldn't say it's as extreme as that.
"I think you've got to be respectful to the professional and his career and his family and his situation.
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"On the one hand, we're saying that we're going to give Rob a chance and an opportunity and you want to give him that time.
"At the same time, you know the situation may be for him (Ryan) that he wants to be in a better position in terms of somewhere where he is more able to play or move involved in playing.
"I think out of respect for Mat, you've got to give him that freedom to do that. But in the end, it's down to Mat and the club."
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Ryan had been a near ever-present since signing following the club's promotion in 2017 and currently holds the record for the most Premier League appearances made by a Brighton player.
The 28-year-old, bought from Valencia for a then club-record fee, has featured in 121 of 127 top-flight fixtures, one outing more than Albion captain Lewis Dunk.
His omission from Potter's squad for the stalemate at Craven Cottage was the second time he has been dropped this term, after replacement Sanchez was handed his Premier League debut at Tottenham at the start of last month.
Sanchez arrived in England at the age of 15 and, prior to this season, his only first-team action was during loan spells with Forest Green and Rochdale.
Potter is excited by the potential of the 23-year-old and feels he offers different qualities to Ryan.
"Mat has been a top servant for this club. He's been a brilliant professional to work with for me and I have the utmost respect for him," said Potter.
"Sometimes you get a sense that for the team, a different attribute can help and I think Rob has those attributes.
"His potential is very, very high and then it's our job to try and help him fulfil that potential, so that's the situation.
"He has had two away matches, he's done well in both of them. But, as always, you have start again in this league, you have to prepare again and take the challenge on again and, knowing him, he'll do that.
"He will have the support of us and let's hope that it goes well for him."
