Joey Barton has declared that Jed Ward will definitely start at least one of Bristol Rovers five remaining fixtures but he doesn’t want to experiment too much with the rest of his team between now and the end of the season.
Promising Gas goalkeeper Ward was recalled from his loan spell at Hungerford Town prior to the Easter break and due to an injury to Ellery Balcombe has served as James Belshaw’s No2 for the last four games.
Barton admitted after the 2-1 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday he was tempted to put the 19-year-old on for the second half but eventually changed his mind. However, with the Gas’ League One status all-but secured for next season, he does have some room to manoeuvre.
