Former Bluebird Ward ready to shoot for the Premier
AFTER a self-confessed “nightmare” of a season last year, Danny Ward has been a huge part of Huddersfield Town’s surge up the league this campaign.
His 14 goals and three assists have been vital in securing third place in the Championship, and he is a vital part of Carlos Corberan’s tactical approach regardless of what system he plays.
Fit again after coming off with an injury in the semi-final second leg, he had to watch from the sidelines as Jordan Rhodes’ goal won it for the Terriers.
This season only five players have started more games than the striker, and only six have spent more actual time on the pitch.
Heading into the play-off final against Nottingham Forest today he is fit and focused on getting Town back into the Premier League. Ward also has experience of winning a final with the club having played 98 minutes of the 2012 League One match against Sheffield United.
Having been saved by a substitution from taking part in the penalty shootout 10 years ago he feels ready if called upon now.
“There’s always that chance that a game like this can end up with penalties, I think everyone has their own way of dealing with that, I’m looking forward to it but ideally you want to be done in the ninety minutes. I think we’re prepared, we’ve practised but I’m not giving anything away,” he said.
The Terriers have another notsosecret weapon if the game did go all the way to a shootout as No.1 Lee Nicholls is somewhat of a specialist on them.
Ward said: “Nicho has been fantastic, since he came in he hit the ground running and been easily for me our best player - he’s dragged us out of the dirt so many times this year with some unbelievable saves, and just his all-round game, his organisation... he’s just the perfect goalkeeper.”