Ryan's Rangers trial cancelled

07 January 2013 10:38

Australian goalkeeper Mat Ryan's trial with Rangers has been called off due to a shoulder injury.

The 20 year-old was expected to spend 10 days training with the Scottish club and had he impressed, he would move in September when the club's transfer embargo is lifted. However, Central Coast Mariners have released a statement saying that the talented youngster had picked up a minor shoulder injury and would not be fit enough to attend the trial.

"While the injury is minor, both clubs have agreed that it is in Ryan's best interests to remain in Australia under the care of the Mariners' medical department for the foreseeable future," the A-League club said.

The injury is so minor that Ryan is expected to be fit for Saturday's league match against Melbourne Victory, further fuelling rumours that Central Coast had bowed to public pressure to call off the trial.

Former Socceroos and Manchester United keeper Mark Bosnich was one of many who opposed the move.

"I don't know what he's thinking. I don't know what the club's thinking," he told Fox Sports on Sunday.

"He's going for a 10-day trial for the right to play against the likes of Elgin City, Montrose, Clyde and Stirling, and he's going to miss a top of the table clash with Melbourne Victory.

"This is one of Australia's best young talents and he's going to go down to the fourth tier of Scottish football.

"The Scottish Premier League isn't as good as the A-League."

Source: team_talk