MATHEW RYAN reckons Albion are just like the All Blacks when it comes to selecting players.

Even though it pains the proud Aussie to say it.

Ryan, currently away with the Socceroos on a training camp in Turkey, has been impressed by the attitude of a new additions to the Seagulls squad this summer.

He has termed the club’s approach to recruitment as a “No D***heads Policy” – a phrase first coined by the all-conquering New Zealand rugby team.

Ryan believes the full squad will be needed in a tough Premier League season.

Seven different players have already started ahead of him in the back four.

He told The Argus: “It’s credit to the individuals and the club itself.

“What they look for in players and when they bring players to the club.

“It’s real professionals, no one with egos, a no d***heads policy.

“Everyone who comes in is entrenched in what they have to do and has the right attitude.

“In football, you never know when you get an opportunity.

“Pascal (Gross) was disappointed not to start at Liverpool but his attitude was one of professionalism.

“Even though you don’t start the game, it doesn’t mean you can’t have an influence.

“You can come on, score the goal that gets us a point and you are the hero.

“I always go back to Mario Gotze in the World Cup final in 2014.

“He started on the bench, came on and scored the winning goal.”

Ryan is aware the All Blacks coined the “no d***heads” mantra and said: “They’re a rival of mine!

“But, whatever they do in that team, it would be nice to copy because they are pretty dominant.”