Ryan says fearless Genk will attack Celta
EXCLUSIVE: A personal milestone is beckoning for Australia goal-keeper Mat Ryan as he attempts to reach a European semi-final for the first time.
Genk's on-loan 'keeper was part of the Club Brugge side which reached the last eight of the UEFA Europa League in his second season in Belgium.
He is now aiming to go one better as Genk, having reached the quarter-final for the first time in its history, strives to upset Spanish team Celta Vigo in the return leg on home soil. Genk lost the first leg 3-2 in Spain.
The clash leaves the victor with the spoils of a possible semi-final against the likes of Manchester United, Lyon and Besiktas.
"Genk have already made a history and a semi final would nice," said Ryan - on loan from Valencia - with some understatement. "Obviously you'd always want to be in the Champions League (a competition he had a taste of at Valencia) but some of the top teams in Europe are going around in the Europa, and it's great to test yourselves against some of them.
"Having reached this stage, it's exciting times but we have a job to do yet against a good side."
The fact the tie is against Spanish opposition - Celta Vigo is 10th in the Primera Division - adds a little extra poignancy for Ryan, who aims to be back pushing for a startling spot at the Mestalla next season.
Two away goals from the first leg, leaves the Belgian club well-placed to complete the job.
Ryan, who endured a torrid night in Spain, is making no brash pronouncements.
"We're away of the quality they possess," he said. "They are good in front of goal and can finish.
"We led 1-0 and were then 3-1 down but we dug out heels in and got back into it to give ourselves a really good chance to progress.
"We'll keep playing out attacking brand of football; we create a lot chances and have scored a lot of goals this season.
"I'm pretty confident that at home we can do the same thing. We'll aim to get at them in the wide areas."
Celta is the sole Spanish representative left in the competition which has been won by a LaLiga team for the past three seasons.
After claiming another Spanish scalp, Athletic Bilbao, in the group stage, Ryan is feeling bullish.
"The way we're playing in the league we're full belief and are not fearful of anybody," he said. "We're really relishing this tie and hopefully we can finish the job in front of our supporters."
Having joined Genk in February after dropping down the pecking order at Valencia, Ryan is smiling again.
"Including internationals I've played 15 or so games now, and it's just what I've needed," he said.
