Aussie Focus

'I know my role' – Redmayne content with backing up Ryan at World Cup

He’s the man largely responsible for Australia’s participation at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, but goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne is under no illusion of what his role will be for the Socceroos in Qatar.

Andrew Redmayne replaces Mat Ryan during a Socceroos match

Andrew Redmayne replaces Mat Ryan prior to the Socceroos' penalty shootout against Peru

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Redmayne told SBS Sport that he’s ready to support captain Mat Ryan, who, despite playing limited minutes for Danish champions FC Copenhagen this season, is all but certain to be the Socceroos' starting goalkeeper during the World Cup, barring an injury setback.

"I know my role in the team," Redmayne told SBS Sport. "Mat is the national team captain, a fantastic goalkeeper, leader and a consummate professional.

"To support him and the team as best as I can is my goal.

"Everyone has to prepare in the squad for any role that they may be faced with. It’s an exciting challenge and something that keeps you on your toes."

The 33-year-old shot to fame in June after his penalty shootout heroics against Peru ensured Australia qualified for a fifth consecutive World Cup.  

The moment will go down as one of the most iconic in Australian football history. It also earned him national recognition as the ‘Grey Wiggle’ due to his penalty saving technique.
"I still get a bit nervous, excited and emotional when thinking about it," Redmayne said.  

"I remember sitting on the couch and watching John Aloisi’s penalty (against Uruguay in 2005) with my mum. To think that moment (against Peru) is up there with that is incomprehensible for me."

Redmayne’s journey to becoming a national hero has been long and winding with the shot-stopper taking several years to nail down a permanent starting spot in the A-League.  

In 2017, following Danny Vukovic’s departure from Sydney FC, Redmayne took the number one jersey for the Sky Blues and made it his own.  

The man who picked him to be Vukovic’s successor was Graham Arnold. He called Redmayne earlier this week to inform him of his selection in the Socceroos' World Cup squad.  
"It was almost instant waterworks as soon as I hung up," Redmayne said.  

"It was kind of at both ends of the phone. It’s something that’s really special for myself and my family."

Redmayne and Vukovic will serve as backups to Ryan in Qatar, with Mitchell Langerak controversially overlooked for selection in the 26-man squad.  

"There’s always disappointment," Redmayne said.  

"Even someone like Marco Tilio, I reached out to him and texted him yesterday. It’s always hard to see friends miss out and especially friends that have been there during long hard stints.

"It’s the kind of nature of the game; there’s always tough decisions to be made and you never like to see people miss out."
Before Redmayne boards his flight to Doha on Sunday night for the World Cup, he’ll be hoping to lead Sydney FC to victory over cross-town rivals Western Sydney Wanderers.  

"Once that final whistle goes, then I’ll turn my attention to the World Cup," Redmayne added.  

"As professionals, we’ve got jobs to do, and I think you’ve got to focus on the next hurdle in front of you and that for me is Saturday night."

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4 min read

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By Adrian Arciuli
Source: SBS


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