SOCCEROOS goalkeeper Mat Ryan declared he’s prepared to stay and fight for the No.1 shirt at Valencia and has no regrets about leaving Club Brugge.

Ryan cited his maiden Spanish campaign as “character-building” as injury, keeper rotation, coach changes and a relegation battle combined to test player and club.

Despite a woeful campaign for one of Spain’s giants, the keeping stocks were solid as Ryan battled with Brazil national team keeper Diego Alves and talented Spaniard Jaume Domenech for minutes.

Though playing just eight league games Ryan, whose three managers included current England assistant Gary Neville, was preferred in Europe and was just short of Domenech’s 24 starts.

“All in all I played 21 games which isn’t too bad. I’ve got no regrets, I’d make that same decision a thousand times over,’’ Ryan said.

“Unfortunately life sometimes, injuries and that, it just happens, you go through ups and downs.

“It’s been the first year I’ve faced a lot of new challenges, language, dealing with injuries and not playing. It hasn’t been easy but I just try and learn from advice and other players going through similar things and just keep your head down and work hard.

“It’s been a character building year and just trying to learn and improve. I felt I led an adaptive year with the culture and these things.

“It’s very rare that a club has three very good keepers and all we can do is keep pushing each other and best man win’s the job on game day.

“It’s healthy competition and I expected that going to a big club like Valencia.’’

Ryan, who turned 24 last month, hasn’t played an official game in two months but said he’s sharp and ready to face England’s star-studded strike force.

He was disappointed not to be facing Leicester hero Jamie Vardy, who’s getting married, though a teen Manchester United striker could debut in a star-studded attack that includes Tottenham’s Harry Kane, Man United’s Wayne Rooney and Liverpool’s Daniel Sturridge.

“I was looking forward to facing him (Vardy), big name going round at the moment coming off his season I would’ve thrived if he was there, nonetheless it’ll be a great challenge whoever we face,’’ he said.

“I didn’t play as much as I would’ve liked, but I’m feeling good.

“La Liga is tough, challenging but enjoyable. The biggest thing for me is just how hard it is to win a game, the amount of quality in teams and individuals, the skills.

“I’ve had a taste of it in international games but it’s opened my eyes.’’