ALBION goalkeeper Mathew Ryan will not be shifted from the No.1 spot for his country as he returns to club duty.

That is the verdict of Australian legend Harry Kewell, who was impressed by Ryan’s performances at the World Cup.

The Socceroos were knocked out in the group stages in Russia.

Kewell says that was no reflection on Ryan, who reports back with Albion today after extra time off. The Crawley boss, who played for Australia in two World Cups, said: “I thought he was fantastic.

“I think 100% he will stay the No.1. He’s playing in the Premier League week in, week out.

“Unless there’s another keeper who comes to a Premier League club and does the exact same – and better – then Maty Ryan should be the No.1. He is playing at the highest level.”

Graham Arnold, Ryan’s mentor and former coach at Central Coast Mariners, is taking over as Australia boss from Dutchman Bert van Marwijk.

The Argus revealed last month that Ryan will relinquish his ever-present record in the Premier League with Albion in January to represent Australia in the Asian Cup in the United Arab Emirates.

Ryan missed Albion’s pre-season training camp in Austria and it remains to be seen whether he features in Saturday’s friendly at AFC Wimbledon (3pm).

Nigerian World Cup defender Leon Balogun linked up with Albion this week and Colombian Jose Izquierdo returns on Tuesday when the first team squad splits for matches against Portsmouth at the Lancing training complex in the morning and at Charlton in the evening (7.45pm). The Portsmouth fixture is behind closed doors.