Former Brighton midfielder Paul Reid has hailed the form of fellow Aussie Mat Ryan this season.

Reid believes Chris Hughton has reaped the rewards after sticking with the 26-year-old throughout the club's debut season in the Premier League.

He told the club's website: “I played against him over here [in Australia], but he was only young at the time, and I knew the one thing he would get tested on is the physicality of the Premier League and having to be an aerial presence.

“In terms of shot-stopping, passion and willingness to work - he's the first to put his hand up and want to improve as a goalkeeper. His work ethic was great over here and still is.

“He had a couple of poor mistakes early on, by his standards, but it was great that Chris Hughton showed faith in him.

“He's been a great acquisition for Brighton - making a couple of penalty saves as well, which are crucial at this stage of the season.

“Since I left, he's the first Australian to play for Brighton, so it's always nice to see a fellow countryman doing well at the club."