MX23RW : Friday, December 13 03:35:21| >> :120:43091:43091:

Joel Ward happy to be Crystal Palace's utility man

Joel Ward insists that he is happy to play anywhere for Crystal Palace, having been used in both full-back positions and in central midfield by Tony Pulis this season.

Joel Ward has admitted that he is happy to play anywhere for Crystal Palace as they aim to stretch a club-record run of five consecutive Premier League wins.

The 24-year-old has played on both sides of the back four during a winning streak which has seen the 11th-placed Eagles move away from relegation trouble.

Ward has also been used in central midfield by Tony Pulis this season and although some players would be frustrated by the number of different roles, Ward is happy to play wherever selected.

"I'm naturally a right-back but for me I'm lucky enough to be able to play in a couple of different positions," Ward told reporters.

"And to be honest I don't mind doing that. It's for the team, it's for the squad and obviously I enjoy playing my football and I want to be out on that pitch."

Ward is expected to retain his place in the Palace starting XI for their match with Manchester City on Sunday.

ID:151768: cacheID:151768:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:1893:
Written by
Joe Fish
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Newcastle United's French striker Yoan Gouffran vies for the ball with Crystal Palace's English defender Joel Ward during the English Premier League game on December 21, 2013
Read Next:
Ward hails "incredible" Palace turnaround
>
Read more about Joel Ward Tony Pulis Football
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
1.15am
Rams
@
49ers
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool14112129111835
2Chelsea1594235181731
3Arsenal1585229151429
4Manchester CityMan City158342721627
5Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest157441918125
6Aston Villa157442323025
7Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton156632522324
8Bournemouth157352320324
9Brentford157263128323
10Fulham156542220223
11Tottenham HotspurSpurs1562731191220
12Newcastle UnitedNewcastle155551921-220
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd155461918119
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham155372028-818
15Everton143561421-714
16Leicester CityLeicester153572130-914
17Crystal Palace152761420-613
18Ipswich TownIpswich151681427-139
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1523102338-159
20Southampton1512121131-205


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!