The Wolves back-up keeper is expected to start in the FA Cup at Shrewsbury but some Molineux faithful want Nuno to give him Premier League starts.
Ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup fourth-round clash with Shrewsbury Town, Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper John Ruddy has spoken about how he maintains himself motivated for the club despite having had little game time this season.
The 32-year-old has enjoyed a fruitful career, with three promotions to the Premier League, England caps and plenty of top-flight games under his belt (Transfermarkt) – and prior to this month had never won a game in the FA Cup, breaking that duck in style against Liverpool.
Ruddy has not featured in the Premier League this season due to the impressive form of Rui Patricio which has helped Wolves into the top half of the table on their first campaign back in the top flight, but has been called upon by Nuno Espirito Santo as his cup keeper.
The veteran custodian admits it is “difficult” when matchday comes on and he knows he will not be playing, but he insists being a model professional is part of his being and sulking will not do anyone any favours, while also stressing that being a Wolves player comes with high standards.
Ruddy told the official club website: “Call me old fashioned if you like, but I’m part of Wolverhampton Wanderers, and that to me means whatever my role might be, whether that’s playing every week, or on the bench every week, or in the stand every week, my role has to be as best for me as it can.
“I have to make the best out of any situation. So, for me to come in and sulk, and not train properly and not encourage and not be there to give advice if anyone’s after it, I’m not doing myself any favours there.”
If there is one thing Wolves fans – and indeed supporters of any club – appreciate, it’s a model professional prepared to give his all for the club even if his own circumstances may not be ideal, and some of the Molineux faithful took to Twitter to praise their player:
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
