There’s always something to prove – Ward

but the goalkeeper’s overriding personality trait is the wise head attached to his young shoulders.

“I always do,” Ward insisted when asked if he ever stops to pinch himself after the season he has had. “I always take it back further than that to being six, seven years old and thinking about reasons why I started this journey in the first place.

“That always helps me come back to being myself, whether we win 7-0 or lose 5-0, it’s just about bringing myself back level and what the goals were at the start of the season and where we are now.

“I think whenever you come in first game you’ve always got something to prove whether that’s here or somewhere else. Whether it’s on loan, you’ve always got something to prove and show everyone what you can do.

“Going back to January, it was a time where I thought I deserved the chance because I had worked hard for that opportunity and from then on I think I’ve just played every game since then and felt good on the pitch, becoming more comfortable, trying more things and trying to be better every game.”

Of course, the contract is a huge achievement and is thoroughly deserved, but anyone associated with Rovers in whatever capacity would have felt a wave of pride to see one of their own sporting the Three Lions badge when pictures were released of England Under20s’ training sessions.

The call-up seemed to come as a welcome surprise when the news broke last month, with the club already expected to have Brandon Aguilera, Elkan Baggott and Luca Hoole departing for international duty with their respective nations. However, it was fully warranted after how impressively the youngster has adjusted to regular first-team football in an environment encompassed in uncertainty.

Although the 20-year-old did not get on the pitch for matches against Poland and the Czech Republic, which were won 5-1 and 3-1 respectively, just being involved in the camp was an experience the academy product will not be taking for granted.

“I think they’ve got a camp in Croatia in June to play against Italy’s Olympic team and another Olympic team. It’d be amazing if I could get on, but I’ve just got to work towards securing my place over the next six games.”

Ward’s Rovers play at home to promotion-chasing Bolton in Sky Bet League One today.