RUDDY STEADY GO!

John given his chance to shine

WOLVES keeper John Ruddy is back in the big time today for the first time in nearly three years.

The keeper, 32, replaces first-choice Rui Patricio for the visit of Cardiff as Nuno Espirito Santo prepares for the FA Cup clash at home to Manchester United in two weeks.

The Wolves boss took the unusual step of announcing a team change at his press conference yesterday, handing the former Norwich No.1 his first Premier League appearance since May 2016.

Ruddy has played all six cup games this season and Nuno has one eye on his side’s quarter-final showdown with United.

He feels Ruddy is more used to dealing with the sort of physical bombardment Cardiff are known for, which Wolves encountered when they were beaten 2-1 by the Bluebirds at Molineux last season.

Nuno said: “Yes, it’s tough – John has done very well on a daily basis but now we see that this is the right moment for him to play.

“We want him to be good, to feel stronger when the moment comes, and that moment is going to come on March 16.”

Ruddy, who has won one England cap, made a howler in the fourth-round tie against Shrewsbury and Nuno wants to be sure he is game-ready.

“For the first time maybe, I’m thinking a little bit more ahead. I feel he needs this game,” said the Portuguese.

“The distance, the timing – things that no matter how you try out in training, you cannot achieve. To play is different and we want him to play.

“We believe in him – and he saved us when we won 1-0 at Cardiff last season. But that’s not the reason.”

Wolves travel to Chelsea in eight days, when

Patricio is expected to return, and Nuno says the Portugal

No.1 has accepted the decision.

“We don’t make decisions just because we want to,” added Nuno.

“We explain it, there’s dialogue, everyone understands it and they accept it in the best way.”