AFTER FOUR YEARS, WAIT IS OVER FOR DANNY
LONG-AWAITED LEAGUE DEBUT FOR CITY’S £12M SUBSTITUTE
DANNY Ward’s four-year wait for a Premier League appearance with Leicester City is over, with manager Brendan Rodgers admitting it was “not healthy” that it had taken so long, writes Jordan Blackwell.
Ward took his spot between the sticks for the 5-1 win over Watford with Kasper Schmeichel’s run of consecutive Premier League appearances ending at 149.
The Welshman’s previous 18 appearances since his £12 million switch from Liverpool had all come in cup competitions.
After conceding early, Ward then played well, making several good stops, including one fine save low to his left during City’s shoddy start.
It was a performance that earned praise from his manager.
Rodgers felt it was important for the “health of the group” that Ward’s patience and quality over the past four years was rewarded, and he was also due to play against Norwich in midweek.
Schmeichel will come back in for the final two games of the season against Chelsea and Southampton, though.
“When we came out of Europe, and I saw we had five games to play, I had spoken to Kasper that I would play him in three of those and play Wardy in two,” Rodgers said.
“Wardy was supposed to play today and against Norwich, but he felt his knee for the Wednesday game, so we didn’t want to expose him.
“It’s testament to all of our goalkeepers. Firstly to Kasper for that consistency and the ability to keep playing, that hunger to have those consecutive games. It’s also testament to other goalkeepers because they are there in loyal support.
“I’ve always said it, I think I have two number ones here. Danny Ward, you see his presence and some of the saves he makes. For me, it’s for the health of the group. This is his first Premier League game, and for me, respectfully, it’s not healthy, that.
“He’s played in cup games and done great. I rate him highly. He’s played in cup games and I have felt for him because of Kasper’s level. Up until this point, we have had something to play for. This is the first period where I could change it around. I felt he was deserving of that chance.
“He looked good in the goal, big and strong. He made some great saves and played with real authority. He’s not just here to carry the bags. He’s here because he’s a top goalkeeper, and it’s important that you have a number one who has a challenger who can come in and show up.”
With Ward keeping Watford out at one end during a back-and-forth second half, City’s attacking players could do their bit up front.
Harvey Barnes and Jamie Vardy scored twice with James Maddison also on the scoresheet.
“It was very pleasing overall,” Rodgers said. “We got over the disappointment of our own goal from the set-piece and then really showed our spirit and quality. There was some great football, some real attacking verve in the team.”