Ryan in the running for Premier League award

Brighton and Hove Albion goalkeeper Mat Ryan has been nominated for the Premier League's Player of the Month award.

Brighton and Hove Albion goalkeeper Mat Ryan acknowledges the crowd Source: Getty Images

The Socceroos shot-stopper joins a field of six contenders following an impressive October that garnered three clean sheets and maximum points to leave the Seagulls soaring in 12th place.

Ryan faces stiff competition from Anthony Martial (Manchester United), Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Arsenal), Callum Wilson (Bournemouth), Ross Barkley (Chelsea) and Fernandinho (Manchester City) for the award, and will aim to become just the second Australian to ever win it.

Mark Schwarzer's remarkable February with Fulham in 2010 earned him the honour and his 26-year-old compatriot will learn his fate when the winner is announced on Friday.

Australia's number one gloveman has made the third-most amount of saves in the Premier League this season, trailing both Burnley's Joe Hart and Lukasz Fabianski of West Ham United on 44.

And it is this form that has Manchester United reportedly considering the former Central Coast, Brugge, Valencia and Genk keeper as the heir to David De Gea's throne.

"It’s always a nice feeling (to keep a clean sheet) but in England it’s another level,” Ryan told The Argus.

"We know going into games we are going to have to defend really well to keep a clean sheet and the club prides itself on that since the gaffer (Chris Hughton) has taken the helm.

"We’re in that little patch at the moment and we need to continue that."