'Reluctant goalie' Shane Ryan thriving for Kerry

Shane Ryan has nailed down a starting place in recent weeks

Kerry goalkeeper Shane Ryan has been solid between the sticks throughout the Allianz League, despite operating as a full-forward for his club, Rathmore.

"He's something of a reluctant goalie," laughed club and county teammate Paul Murphy.

"He plays outfield for us (Rathmore). I'd say he's quite happy to be out the field. But he was brought in as a goalkeeper now this year. He's had a solid start, and he's getting good experience there, which is probably the big thing from the league, getting lads in, getting a few minutes under their belt and seeing if they'll flourish in a senior set-up."

Ryan has adapted impressively to the position

Ryan helped the Kingdom win two All-Ireland minor titles as a net-minder, but it was an unlikely switch given he had limited experience between the sticks before his intercounty call-up.

"He never really played in goals for Rathmore," explained Murphy. "He played soccer with Killarney Celtic I think when he was younger and they made a goalkeeper out of him.

"Then from that in underage development squads I think he was put in goals. I don't know where it came from but basically with Kerry underage he played as a goalkeeper but with Rathmore he never played as a goalie.

"He's very comfortable out the field. He plays full-forward (with Rathmore), he's a handful in the full-forward line. You'd have no bother seeing him coming out with the ball, you'd have no issues with that."

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Brian Kelly and Shane Murphy were the go-to options for the number one jersey last summer, and with Murphy set to return after helping Dr Crokes to the All-Ireland club final, Ryan has a battle on his hands to maintain the starting berth.

However, the Rathmore man has impressed thus far in the league, as Peter Keane's charges finished top of the Division 1 table, conceding just four goals across the seven games.

Regardless of whether or not he's reluctant, there's no doubting that he's effective.