Clough: Jamie Ward has a chance to be regular international
JAMIE Ward has been backed by his manager, Nigel Clough, to become a regular on the international stage with Northern Ireland.
The Derby County boss believes the time is right for Ward to take advantage of a fresh start for Ireland under their new manager Michael O'Neill, the former Shamrock Rovers boss.
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Jamie Ward
O'Neill has named his first squad for the friendly against Norway at Windsor Park, Belfast, and it includes the Rams forward.
Ward's one cap so far came as a substitute against the Faroe Islands in August last year.
He has been in the squad at other times without getting on the pitch although a hamstring injury forced him to withdraw after being called up for the Euro 2012 qualifiers against Estonia and Italy in October.
Ward has been ever-present in the League for Derby this season following his move from Sheffield United in the summer.
The 25-year-old has been used mainly on the left and could return there against Leicester City at Pride Park Stadium tomorrow after he partnered Nathan Tyson up front in Saturday's defeat at Southampton.
Clough has been pleased with Ward's contribution and he is confident the player can make the step up to international level.
"I think Jamie has got what it takes," said Clough.
"He wants to go along because it is a fresh start with a new manager and he wants to see how it goes.
"It will be interesting to see where they see him as a player.
"I know a lot of teams at international level don't play with two up front, they play with one off a striker.
"If they can get the ball to Jamie in that sort of position, then he can certainly do some damage at that level as well."
Ward qualifies to play for Northern Ireland through his grandfather and was first called up in March 2009 after winning seven caps and scoring two goals at under-21 level.
The other forwards in the senior squad are David Healy (Rangers), Warren Feeney (Plymouth), Josh McQuoid (Burnley) and Martin Paterson (Burnley).
13 Comments
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by paul72
Wednesday, February 22 2012, 4:49PM
“ward is overated not enough end product and lacks goals need better players than him to make top 6”
by DCFCOK
Wednesday, February 22 2012, 2:54PM
“Great QAKID, grammar school and 11+. I always knew you were an old man, a very grumpy old man.”
by Craigwigan
Wednesday, February 22 2012, 2:33PM
“SOUNDS IDEL BENDIBUS 4 NLN”
by QAKID
Wednesday, February 22 2012, 2:20PM
“COK your rating is of no interest to me whatsoever , passed 11+ went to grammar school but posting on these sites I do not feel the need to be too particular as a lot who post back are not too brite (bright ) ooh there I go again”
by QAKID
Wednesday, February 22 2012, 2:04PM
“I should think so if they take any notice of cloughs recommendations.
Where is Eel Pie Island in the rankings.?”
by DCFCOK
Wednesday, February 22 2012, 1:59PM
“So QAKID you rate Clough about the same as I rate your punctuation and grammar. Did they teach you that at school or were there schools in the Boer war?”
by JohnZFish
Wednesday, February 22 2012, 1:51PM
“Yes but Northern Ireland are ranked lower than Christmas Island.”
by QAKID
Wednesday, February 22 2012, 1:48PM
“cannot tackle,cannot head,cannot pass,cannot score, gives the ball away five basic football skills he does not possess and clough recommends him for international honours.
Creates chances , what chances .Anyway forget Rednap for England there would be far more laughs with clough.”
by JohnZFish
Wednesday, February 22 2012, 1:21PM
“The only position he can play is attacking wide left. He cannot be a striker, because he is a 4 goals a season man, and cannot be a midfielder, because he doesnt tackle, head or pass and gives the ball away in dangerous positions. If this sounds critical -he is just about our only creator of chances from this winger position.”
by DCFCOK
Wednesday, February 22 2012, 12:48PM
“QAKID
Ward plays left side of midfield and is not played as a striker”