Townsend scored the goal that brought us level at 4-4 in stoppage time of the Northern Final at Oldham, which we went on to win on penalties, and jetted out to join the Australian Under-20 squad as they prepare for the FIFA World Youth Championships which will be held in Holland during June.
During the time he’s been there they have played three matches against the top sides from the Hyundai A-League and Ryan has played in all three games.
He played the full ninety minutes in the first match which ended in a 4-0 win over Newcastle Jets after what was described as a stunning performance by the young side and it was same again with another ninety minutes as they drew 1-1 against Sydney FC.
The third game, against Adelaide United, ended 2-0 to the club side and on this occasion Ryan earned himself a yellow card after half an hour before being substituted with ten minutes to go.
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Despite that release he was keen to return for the final and is on his way back. The other English player in the squad,
Ryan’s return will give Terry Pashley almost a full strength squad to choose from for tomorrow night’s game – only striker Alex Taylor is ruled out, he’s currently on crutches after suffering ankle ligament damage.