The 24-year-old Australian produced a strong display, also producing a key early save, as Genk claimed a big advantage in the first leg of their last 16 tie.

The performance comes in light of Langerak's penalty save for VfB Stuttgart on Monday, with the pair vying to be Australia's number one in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

Australia coach Ange Postecoglou said upon Wednesday's squad announcement he expected Langerak to push Ryan to be the starting goalkeeper.

Ryan’s big moment came in the 68th minute, with Genk leading 4-2 but with Gent having the momentum after scoring the last goal.

The Socceroo dived low to his left to save Jeremy Perbet’s penalty and maintain Genk’s advantage, killing Gent’s momentum.


Mathew Ryan Penalty Save HD - KAA Gent 2-4 KRC... by Live1Goals

Earlier, Ryan made a key save in the third minute, denying Kenny Saief’s low strike, before Perbert turned the rebound into the crossbar.

The result means Genk have one foot in the quarter-finals where they could face Manchester United, Olympique Lyonnais and Ajax Amsterdam among others.

Meanwhile, Socceroo Tom Rogic has returned to training following his ankle injury, with Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers confirming the news.

Rogic was ruled out for the “next few months” in February after undergoing surgery on his ankle, after re-injuring it in training.