Ruddy talks about proving himself to Lage after signing new deal

John Ruddy has signed a contract extension which will keep him at Wolves for next season.

Ruddy has found himself behind Rui Patricio in the pecking order since the Portuguese’s arrival.

But he has told the club’s website that he hopes for a clean slate under Bruno Lage.

That means he’s hoping to play more in the coming season, as he says he feels he deserved more opportunities under Nuno Espirito Santo.

“I still have a lot to offer on and off the pitch, and hopefully the new manager is going to come in and give everyone a clean slate and I can show to him what I’ve shown in the last few years, that I deserve more opportunities,” he said.

“The fact there’s only one position in terms of goalkeeping that can be filled, it’s been difficult to get past Rui and get game time, even when I felt I deserved an opportunity.

“But with the new manager coming in with his new ideas and new approach, he’s going to have certain ways he wants people to play, and it’s up to us as players to catch on to his ideas as fast as we can.

“Obviously, I want to play and maybe this is my best opportunity to get back on the pitch, because that is why I signed this new contact and that is what I’m here to do.”

Will Ruddy get his wish?

It seems likely Ruddy will go into next season as second choice.

But as he said, there’s a new manager in place now and Ruddy will hope to impress him.

If, as expected, Jose Sa comes to Molineux to replace Patricio, that could offer Ruddy an opportunity.

Sa may need time to adjust to English football and wouldn’t quite have the same status as seasoned international goalkeeper Patricio.

That might give Ruddy the opportunity he needs.

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