New No.1 Mathew Ryan has been praised for his impact on Albion’s defensive style for the Premier League ahead of a quick return to Spain.

Ryan played his first 90 minutes in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Norwich.

The former Valencia keeper and Australian international goes back to Spain for tomorrow night’s friendly against Girona.

The penultimate warm-up against the La Liga newcomers provides another opportunity for the back four to adapt to the more continental methods of David Stockdale’s replacement.

Central defender Shane Duffy told The Argus: “He is obviously different to Stocko. It’s a culture thing.

“He played in La Liga (for Valencia) and Belgium and that’s the way they play.

“I think it’s quite good. You can use him as an extra man when you need to keep possession. It’s just getting used to it, back-passes and stuff like that.

“He is higher (up the pitch) than normal but he has been great.

“He has fitted in well with the lads and he looks a good goalie, safe and good on the ball.

“He hasn’t really been tested yet with saves but in training he looks good.

“He’s confident and he talks well, so it’s good signs so far.”

Duffy, ruled out of Albion’s promotion run-in last season by a broken foot bone, returned to action at Carrow Road after missing last week’s double-header against Southend and Crawley behind-closed-doors.

“I had a little knock in the week, so I didn’t play in those games,” he said. “It was a good 75 minutes, I just need matches really. I’m building up to that.

“The main thing is I’m not feeling the (foot) injury at all.

“The more minutes I get the better I’ll be. That’s the kind of player I am. I’m feeling fit and strong.”