Brighton goalkeeper Mat Ryan has confirmed trials with Tottenham earlier in his career.

He failed numerous try-outs for Australian state teams and, six years ago, trials at Tottenham and West Brom ended with a polite but firm "no thank you".

He eventually arrived in England last summer after two spells in Belgium and an unhappy period playing for Gary Neville's Valencia in Spain.

"I trained with Gareth Bale and Luka Modric but at the end there was nothing for me," reflected Ryan to the Daily Mail.

"I know I am not typical of a big English goalkeeper, but Brighton wanted me for my qualities and that was what I wanted to hear."