Hands up for Matt Ryan against Melbourne Heart

Young 'keeper Matthew Ryan was inspirational in Central Coast Mariners 1-0 win over Melbourne Heart in their midweek Hyundai A-League fixture at AAMI Park on Wednesday night.

Matt Ryan after his stand-out performance against Melbourne Heart

The Young Socceroo made save after save as a brave Heart took on the Mariners but ultimately fell short when Adam Kwasnik scored in the 89th minute to help Central Coast take three points placing them nine points clear on top of the Hyundai A-League table.

John van't Schip's men were clearly the better side against the top of the table Mariners but could not find a way past the 19 year old Ryan, whose string of saves kept Central Coast in the match. The top of the table Mariners have now amassing 14 games without a loss, whilst Heart are win-less in their last four matches.

The story of the night though was undoubtedly Matt Ryan and speaking after the game he was happy with his performance but understands that there is plenty of work on his game that requires tinkering.

"I was caught out on one or two crosses" the mildly spoken Ryan confessed.

Graham Arnold was a little more positive in his assessment of Ryan's game.

"The kid next to me saved us tonight".

Arnold also praised the young shot stoppers work ethic.

"Ryan is a perfectionist and never happy with his game"

"He is athletically bigger than last year"

His physical growth this year is a trait that Arnold expects will one day see him take Mark Schwartzer's Socceroo kit.

Although only 19 years old, Ryan is no stranger to the spotlight after receiving three major awards after last year's breakout season. These awards are something Arnold has told him to put in his cupboard and admire after his career as there plenty more to achieve.

It's on the prospect of moving overseas where Arnold got a little grumpy. "NO!" was the reply after he was asked if Ryan would be on the move to Europe in the near future.

"The kid is still only 19, he would be better served playing regular football in the A-League and hopefully for the Olympic team than sitting on the bench in Europe waiting for his chance behind an experienced 'keeper. Managers over there don't give opportunities to 19 year old goalkeepers".

When quizzed on the topic, Ryan agreed it was a fair bit off but does harbour the ambition to make it big in Europe "somewhere down the track".

That is great news for Central Coast Mariners and their young squad but not so good news for A-League opposition strikers who will continue to be left frustrated after seeing shot after shot stopped by another quality Australain goalkeeper to come off the production line.

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Central Coast 1 (Kwasnik 89')  Def   Melbourne Heart 0
Crowd 5522 at AAMI Park

The Football Sack 'Player of the Year' points
3 - Matt Ryan
2 - Alex Terra
1 - Patrick Zwaanswijk