Ryan: I was smiling because I wanted to enjoy it

Maty Ryan reveals his penalty shootout heroics a year ago today at The Den were inspired by his desire to enjoy the pressure.

Alex Stedman

2020-03-17T09:06:00Z

Mat Ryan made 123 appearances for Albion in all competitions.

The Albion keeper saved from Mahlon Romeo as the Seagulls advanced 5-4 on penalties against Millwall in the quarter-finals of the Emirates FA Cup,

A thrilling tie had finished 2-2 in the most dramatic of circumstances, with Solly March’s injury time goal taking the tie into extra time.

He said, “I wasn’t nervous because as a goalkeeper you’re always confident in situations like that and you trust the work and preparation that you do.

“I was smiling throughout and that’s one of the main things I’ve worked on. I’d been successful in a shootout with Australia not long before, so I felt good.

“You tend to find that when you’re relaxed and focused you perform at your best, not when you’re uptight or anxious.

“Sometimes it can be difficult to be one instead of the other, but I just tried to be as calm as possible.”

The Aussie keeper is mobbed by his teammates after the shootout win.

With 79 minutes ion the clock Albion looked to be heading out of the Cup but after goals from Jurgen Locadia and March, Ryan and his teammates had other ideas.

Glenn Murray missed the first penalty kick, but Locadia, March, Davy Propper, Dale Stephens and Lewis Dunk all converted before Jake Cooper sent his effort high over the bar to leave the Seagulls on their way to Wembley.

“It was just array of emotions to be honest, it’s the sort of afternoon where you can’t just pick out one moment,” Ryan added.

“One of the things that’s always struck me during my time here is the ability of this team to show character when we need it and at times when things might be going against us - that day was another one of those occasions.

“When Solly hit that free-kick I thought that was over, and most people probably did, but of course when it did find its way into the net the emotion was one of real joy and we went into extra time on a high.”

Maty Ryan takes to the field against Manchester City.

The Seagulls were to contest their first FA Cup semi-final for 36 years against Manchester City, a daunting task but one that Ryan and the squad embraced on a memorable day for everyone associated with the club.

“It was a massive occasion as it had been a long time since the club had got there.

“As soon as I arrived here, I learned about what everyone had been through to get where the club is today, and you get a real sense of that amongst the supporters too.

“Wembley Stadium is iconic all over the world, and so to get to experience that as a player was what you dream of. You want to perform on the biggest stages in world football and against the best teams.

“It was amazing to see our fans sell-out their end and they contributed to the occasion. It wasn’t to be on the day, but everyone did themselves proud and it’s another moment with this club that will live long in the memory.”