Ward Still Hoping For Call-Up

Jamie Ward is hoping that his move to Derby County and playing on a more regular basis will help his international career to get back on track. Ward has represented Northern Ireland at Under-21 level and was called up to the full squad in March 2009 but was an unused substitute in two World Cup qualifiers and is yet to gain his first full cap. After falling out of favour with Chris Adams at Sheffield United last season Ward joined The Rams on loan for the rest of the season and scored five goals in thirteen appearances before making his switch permanent at the end of the season.

Ward has gone on record stating that he is enjoying his football again and is looking forward to giving his all for Derby County and seeing them climb the league again next season. Talking to the Derby Evening Telegraph Ward commented that first and foremost he wanted to concentrate on playing for The Rams but that he not given up hope of getting back in the Northern Ireland squad saying:

'The most important thing for me at the moment is my club football. I'd rather Derby do well, first and foremost, because that's where I am every day. As far as I know, the door is still open for me with Northern Ireland, I've not heard anything to suggest otherwise."

"Nigel Worthington has never told me why I've not been called up, so it's just one of those things and all I can do is work hard. A few people have asked me why I'm not in the squad but that's not up to me - it's up to the manager. He obviously thinks there are better players than me for the squad and that's his opinion. Hopefully, I will work my way into his thoughts and eventually get a cap.'

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