MATHEW Ryan insists Albion are in safe hands without him – thanks to "freak" Ben Roberts.

David Button or Jason Steele will replace Ryan against Everton at the Amex tomorrow, as the Australian is on Asian Cup duty for his country in the United Arab Emirates.

Ryan, ever-present up to now, will miss at least the next three Premier League matches and potentially as many as six, depending how far holders Australia go in the tournament.

He is confident Button and Steele will cope in his absence under the guidance of goalkeeping coach Roberts and fellow former Albion No.1 Casper Ankergren.

Ryan told The Argus: "No doubts whatsoever. I have been working with them day in, day out.

"It was the same with Tim Krul last year. The progress from when they arrived at the club, getting that regular training under Ben and Casper's guidance, the progress is out of this world.

"Ben is a freak in the craft of being a goalkeeper coach. His ability to get the most out of every individual, no matter what style of goalkeeper you are, he just has a knack for it.

"I know the rest of the boys out there on the pitch – Duffers, Dunky, Leon, all these guys – they are going to make what ever goalkeeper that is out there feel comfortable.

"At the end of the day it's a team environment. Who ever is out on the pitch is contributing to the success of the team and I've got no doubts that Jason or David are going to do a great job."

Ryan has played all 57 of Albion's Premier League matches since signing from Valencia two summers ago.

Ex-Fulham keeper Button was back on the bench against Arsenal on Boxing Day at Steele's expense following minor knee surgery and a couple of outings for the under-23s.