Danny Ward has praised his fellow Wales goalkeepers ‘camaraderie’ as Rob Page’s side qualified for the EURO 2020 Round of 16.
The Leicester City shot stopper has played all three games in the competition so far beating Adam Davies and long serving Wayne Hennessey to the number one jersey.
Ward has grabbed the chance with both hands and had nothing but praise for the goalkeeping group which also includes former Welsh international Tony Roberts as coach.
“It’s a good feeling. It’s something I’ve waited a long time for, and Wayne and Adam have been amazing with me. The support that he and Davo have given me, especially in the last month or so has been incredible.
“I can’t speak highly enough of them, and we all push each other. The camaraderie we have as a goalkeeping unit is unbelievable. I’m enjoying myself and it’s nice to be able to go out and show people what I can do on the pitch.”
Embed from Getty ImagesCymru qualified through group A despite a 1-0 defeat to Roberto Mancini’s Italy on Sunday, compiled with a questionable Ethan Ampadu red card.
One of the photos of the night was of Ward, sat against the goalframe on his phone surrounded by the picturesque Stadio Olimpico.
But who was he speaking to?
“It was father’s day wasn’t it and I’ve got a little boy, so I thought I’d check in with him and make sure he was alright. It’s tough being away from family but it’s a father’s day I won’t forget.
“I spoke to my father as well afterwards. Its surreal really. I was lucky enough to be in surroundings that were quite amazing, so I thought why not share it with them?”
There was a lot of doubt as to whether Ward would be the man this summer, due to a lack of game time at the King Power Stadium this year.
But a brilliant start to the tournament has sparked several rumours of the goalkeeper moving on to find regular first team football for next season.
For now though, the former Huddersfield Town playoff winner is fully focused on the task in front of him and that’s helping Wales progress further through the Euros.
“To be honest I think it’s alright, you just embrace it. We all want to be playing football so whilst you are playing and lucky enough to be on the pitch you got to embrace it.
“At the minute I’m away with Wales and I’m concentrating on the job we’ve got here. When I come back what will be will be. I’m sure there will be conversations but at the minute my job Is to keep the ball out of the net.”
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Red Dragons now know that it will be Denmark that they face in the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam this coming Saturday.
Wales will be familiar with their opponents, losing twice to the Danes in the inaugural Nations League campaign back in 2018.
Ward will come face to face with fellow Leicester goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel and is aware of the dangers that Kasper Hjulmand’s side will bring.
“It’d be good. Kasper’s a good goalie and Denmark are a good team. Its feels like we play them every year at the minute, we always seem to run into each other.
“Regardless of who you play were in the last 16 of a major tournament. Its going to be tough, you have to respect people, but we’ve got to believe in what we want to do. See how it goes.”
The Wrexham born keeper played youth football for his home town club before a move across the border to Liverpool when he was 19.
Ward never made a senior appearance for the National League side but still has a strong affinity with the club and town. He’s been a standout performer at these Euros and the messages and support he’s received from back home has certainly meant a lot.
“It’s been amazing to be fair. It gives you a reminder of where you come from. I was in the youth team at Wrexham 12 or 13 years ago and it was the best upbringing I could’ve wished for.”
“There was people there who inspired me. Joey Jones was massive for me, he was my youth team coach. An absolute legend of the game and one of my heroes growing up. To see messages from people from that club is special to me.”
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