Harry Kewell jokingly offered to call Maty Ryan today – and ask if he was signing for Albion.

The Aussie legend and new Crawley Town boss was in upbeat mood when he met The Argus.

But he was serious in his appreciation of the “fantastic” goalkeeper expected to join the Seagulls.

Kewell said: “He is very confident. He is not the tallest – when you are talking about Courtois or Cech or De Gea - but he is still solid, a very powerful keeper, not afraid of anything.

“He’s confident. He can play with the ball with his feet.

“I have always liked him as a keeper.”

Kewell might have had trouble getting through to Ryan’s mobile.

The keeper was sitting on the subs’ bench for the Socceroos at the time, watching them lose 4-0 to Brazil in a friendly in Melbourne.

But Kewell is very much focused on Reds right now as he gets to know staff and looks to a pre-season programme which includes a visit from Albion on July 22.