The Australian goalkeeper told the Observer: "The English league was always a popular league back in the 70s and 80s but it has never been as popular as it is now. Why? Cristiano Ronaldo is one reason, Didier Drogba and Fernando Torres are others.

"There's not an English player like them, as much as everybody in England wishes. Wayne Rooney was supposed to be that good but even he hasn't progressed as they've wanted him to."