Crystal Palace defender Joel Ward speaks out regarding his desire to break back into the first-team.
As reported by South London Press & Mercury, Crystal Palace defender Joel Ward has revealed that he has a ‘burning desire’ to be back on the pitch for the Eagles, after returning to the bench for their 1-1 draw with West Ham United in midweek.
The 28-year-old, who has been at the club since 2012, was an ever-present member of the starting XI last season as he played all 38 league games during Palace’s survival campaign. Since then he has still been a featured member of the squad, after playing all but one game since Roy Hodgson’s arrival up until he picked up a groin injury against West Bromwich Albion.
Since that moment in early December, Ward has been in and out of the treatment room as Palace have continued to try to push themselves away from the danger zone.
While they’re still only three points off 17th the results have certainly improved, which likely led Ward to wonder whether or not he’d be able to slot back into the first team upon returning.
“Every player will say the same thing: it’s never the same when you’re sat on the bench,” Ward said on Tuesday. “You wouldn’t be in the game if you didn’t want to be out on the pitch. For me, there’s that burning desire to be out there. That’s all I can think about and that’s all I want to do – last season I started every game and I want to get back to that.”
“We’re all itching to get back on the pitch – me especially and I know Mamadou as well, that’s a healthy thing to have. We’re ready when called upon – you just have to take that opportunity when the chance presents itself.”
Ward’s consistency is something that has seen him maintain his place in the back four for a few years now, despite the revolving door of managers coming in and out at Selhurst Park.
Some fans consider him to be one of their most reliable options at the back, and thankfully for them, he seems back at 100% fitness once again.
Of course, the few setbacks which he suffered on the road to recovery will undoubtedly be cause for concern, but right now there’s a clear injury crisis going on at the South London club. Ironically their FA Cup exit against bitter rivals Brighton could prove to be a blessing in disguise, as now they can focus on securing survival in the top flight for a fifth consecutive season.
The next nine days will see Palace take on Newcastle United at home before visiting Goodison Park to face top-half Everton and, while he may not feature in both, the return of Ward is likely to be imminent.
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