Mathew Ryan has been to two World Cups with Australia.

He loves playing for his country, especially now that his mentor Graham Arnold is in charge.

He just wishes it does not have the potential to wreck his perfect record with Albion.

Ryan has starred between the posts in all 40 of the Seagulls' Premier League games since arriving from Valencia last summer.

The popular No.1's record will be ruined in January when Australia attempt to retain the Asian Cup in the United Arab Emirates.

He will miss the return fixtures with Saturday's hosts Liverpool and Manchester United at Old Trafford following their defeat at the Amex on Sunday.

The Argus: If Australia reach the final for the third time in nine years then Ryan (above) will be absent for Albion for at least four games.

"In a perfect world I would have loved to have that tournament played at a time of the season when I wouldn't miss any games for Brighton," Ryan said.

"At the same time I absolutely love representing my national team at a tournament like that and it is what it is.

"Whether I am representing my national team or Brighton I am always trying to give my absolute all to try to be as successful as I can and create those lifelong memories you cherish through being successful.

"Unfortunately the tournament ir organised at that time and I've just got to deal with it. There's nothing I can do until a change is made. The African Cup of Nations is getting changed (from winter to summer).

"Hopefully common sense will prevail some time in the future and it can be played out that way but, until then, I am trying to keep fit, take one game at a time with Brighton.

"January is a long time away. There are no guarantees I will be fit or in form enough to be picked but I'll be doing everything I can to give myself the best possible chance."

There has been no hangover for Ryan from his second World Cup group exit with Australia in Russia in the summer, which ate into Albion's pre-season programme.

He had no chance with any of the four goals conceded in the opening two games against United and Watford.

The Argus: Ryan (above) showed his reflexes are as sharp as ever at Vicarage Road. He also made an important save from Paul Pogba's long range effort in the second half on Sunday when there was still plenty of time for United to retrieve a 3-1 deficit.

"Fortunately I have been to two World Cups," Ryan said. "These (hangover) questions always get asked but I just go out and do what I love.

"When I tend to do that it all just naturally flows into shape. I am feeling good physically and mentally."

Ryan's physical shape was threatened against United by team-mate Shane Duffy when he advanced to punch clear a cross and collided with the robust central defender.

He recovered from the whack to the ribs but could do nothing about Paul Pogba's flattering late penalty for Jose Mourinho's side in the dying moments.

A crucial late penalty save to foil Charlie Adam and preserve a point at Stoke was the stand-out moment of an outstanding first season with Albion for Ryan, whose rapport with supporters and running the length of the pitch to dive into goal celebrations have become trademarks.

He kept ten clean sheets, foiled Wayne Rooney from the spot as well at Everton and made 124 saves in total, the third-highest number in the Premier League behind Lukasz Fabianski and Jack Butland.

"All in all, I was quite proud of how I did and statistically how I ended up at the end of the season with things I personally achieved and the club also achieved," Ryan said.

"It's easily been the most enjoyable season, career wise, of my life until now.

"I thoroughly enjoyed the challenges and coming up against the players and teams we faced and playing in historic stadiums at the highest level. It's the absolute pinnacle of the game."

How does he better it? Perhaps by upstaging at Anfield Liverpool's world record fee Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson (below), bought from Roma for £67 million, more than 12 times more than Albion paid for 26-year-old Ryan.

The Argus: He said: "Every year you've got to continue learning and grow from the experiences you have faced. Now we are talking about sustaining consistency of performances.

"I'm just going to try with every tool in my locker to make sure I keep producing the best I can give to contribute to the team.

"I've got great support and help around me with Ben (Roberts, coach) and the other goalkeepers, the gaffer, everyone around the club.

"It's down to me to try to have the same approach, do my best, allow my instincts to take over.

"I'm confident if I can do that then naturally it should hopefully continue in the trend of putting in performances required."

That being the case, Ryan is a certainty to add to his 47 appearances for Australia under Arnold, his coach at Central Coast Mariners when they won the A-League in 2011-12.

"I'm really excited for his tenure," Ryan said. "My time under him was successful in every season. People may have different opinions but he is a very knowledgeable man. I am really hoping to be reunited with him in the national team, work together and achieve more success, because I think he has great qualities as a manager to bring the best out of individuals and the team.

"I really can't wait for this next period with him at the helm".