Norwich City manager Chris Hughton believes that goalkeeper John Ruddy is more than ready to push England’s number one Joe Hart with the World Cup fast approaching. 

Ruddy was again named in Roy Hodgson’s squad for the matches against Moldova and Ukraine in the coming weeks alongside current number one Joe Hart and uncapped Celtic keeper Fraser Forster. 

Hughton believes that although Ruddy missed the vast amount of last season due to a thigh injury he is in fine form to pile the pressure on under fire keeper Joe Hart. 

‘Any player that goes on international duty is there on merit and to challenge and to play. If I look at the progress he (Ruddy) has made over the last few seasons he has the capabilities to really push for a place.’

‘It’s early in the season but if I look at the reaction from a disappointing season for him last season, at least the last two thirds of the season with the injury, he has made a full recovery from that and at the moment is back to where he was before the injury.’

‘I think he has done well and has put himself in position to put pressure on the position. And that’s how it should be. Anyone who is involved in an international squad should be there on merit and feel they can put real competition on that position.’

‘He’s a big personality, a big frame, and his performances for us over the last few seasons have very much warranted him being in that international squad.’

Chelsea made several bids for John Ruddy this summer but were rebuffed by the Canaries who are clearly not willing to sell one of their prize assets. Norwich face Southampton at Carrow Road on Saturday and will be looking for their first win of the season after a draw against Everton and a loss away at Hull.

James Moss – JMoss_13