BRIGHTON goalkeeper Mat Ryan has joined boyhood club Arsenal on loan until the end of the season – and he could play against Saints tomorrow.

The 28-year-old has been out of favour with the Seagulls and will now provide back-up to Bernd Leno.

The agreement does not include an option to buy and Ryan is expected to go straight into the squad for Arsenal’s FA Cup fourth-round clash with Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men at St Mary’s (12.15pm).

The Gunners had been keen to add a goalkeeper in January after summer signing Alex Runarsson had struggled during his few outings.

Runarsson was initially signed to be the club’s third-choice stopper but Arsenal were unable to sign a replacement for Emiliano Martinez, who left for Aston Villa.

Ryan is delighted to make the move, tweeting: “Signing for the club you grew up supporting as a kid.

“Buzzing to be beginning this new chapter and will give everything I’ve got to contribute to the first club I ever loved.”

Signing another goalkeeper was a priority for the FA Cup holders in the current window and Ryan has now filled that void.

“We know Mat very well through his performances with Brighton in recent seasons and he brings additional quality to our squad,” said manager Mikel Arteta.

“Mat has very good Premier League experience and has played over 100 times in the league, which is something that will benefit us greatly on and off the pitch. We welcome Mat to Arsenal and look forward to working with him this season.”

Australia international Ryan joined Brighton from Valencia following their promotion to the Premier League and established himself as their first-choice goalkeeper.

That changed this season as Rob Sanchez was drafted into the first-team by head coach Graham Potter, leaving Ryan on the sidelines.