Jed Ward says he "can't wait" to be back in action for Bristol Rovers again after the teenager impressed in just his second league start for the Gas on Saturday.
The 19-year-old goalkeeper has been at the club for more than a decade and Joey Barton and his coaching staff have high hopes that he will eventually become Rovers' first-choice keeper, and the manager was eager to cast his eye on the academy graduate in league action almost two years on from his debut for the club.
Ward learned on Thursday he was in contention for Saturday's trip to Port Vale and Barton confirmed the Bradley Stoke lad would start on Friday as the Gas travelled to the Potteries. Unfortunately, the afternoon ended in a 2-0 defeat for Rovers, but Ward acquitted himself well with an accomplished performance, claiming crosses confidently and looking at ease with the ball at his feet.
