Last Monday, he was Ryan Scott, NPL player and bricklayer. On Tuesday, he was Ryan Scott, the professional footballer.
The new Western United keeper has had a whirlwind week since linking up with the A-League club after the unfortunate injury to number two shot-stopper James Delianov on Sunday.
Scott comes in on a three-month injury replacement deal and has completed a first-week training with United number one – and reigning A-League keeper of the year – Filip Kurto and the first-team squad.
“Filip’s quality,” Scott told www.wufc.com.au “I’m learning off the best and also Frank Juric [keeper coach] is a quality keeper coach.
“It’s up to me now. It’s been good to see what it’s all about. Great facilities, great club and good to be a part of it.”
This is the Bentleigh Greens’ keeper’s first professional contract after going close following a trial at Newcastle Jets earlier in his career.
Seeing the professionalism and the standard’s very high, which I’ve seen this week.
“I’m just coming in every day to do my best and try to prove myself. And if there’s an opportunity it’s up to me.”
It’s a long drive from Baxter (near Frankston) to Caroline Springs, but being a brickie while playing NPL means Scott’s accustomed to the early morning starts.
“I don’t mind the drive. And the boys have said hello and being welcoming, even though it’s a bit daunting though I know Valentino Yuel and JA [John Anastasiadis] from Bentleigh Greens.”
Scott, 23, is from Frankston and his father, a Geordie, is a passionate football fan, as many are in the north-east of England.
And the new Western United shot-stopper is a huge fan of the Geordies’ EPL club Newcastle United.
In fact, Scott came up against Wellington Phoenix’s Steven Taylor – a former Magpies favourite – in an FFA Cup Round of 32 upset last year with the Greens.
“Dad’s stoked with me signing for United. It’s been a dream of mine but a dream of his, too. My brother, sister, mum and friends, they’re all rapt for me.
“But I’m keeping a lid on it. Just keep working hard each day is what I’ll be doing.”
Scott is set to be on the bench for this Saturday’s big clash with Western Sydney Wanderers in Geelong.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Western United’s next home game is tomorrow Saturday, November 9 against Western Sydney Wanderers at GMHBA Stadium, Geelong. Kick-off is 7.30 PM
CLICK HERE to buy tickets.
CLICK HERE to become a Western United member.
