Declan Rudd could be set for surgery on an ankle injury that keeps him on the sidelines for the next two months. Picture: Paul Chesterton / Focus Images

Declan Rudd injury could force Norwich City to look for goalkeeping cover

Monday, January 16, 2012
10:10 AM

Declan Rudd’s ankle injury could force Paul Lambert to make an unexpected foray into the transfer market for experienced goalkeeping cover.

Lambert confirmed after his side’s win at the Hawthorns that Rudd could be set for surgery that keeps him on the sidelines for the next two months.

Teenage back-up Jed Steer was thrust into the role of John Ruddy’s understudy, but the Canaries’ chief plans to weigh up his options before making a final decision.

“I need to sit down with Ian Culverhouse and Jeff Wood and see what we’re going to do. If push came to shove I wouldn’t have any fear throwing Jed in,” said Lambert. “I don’t think there’s much between him and Dec but I will sit with the lads and we will have a discussion about it. Dec has hurt his ankle. He’ll be out for a couple of months. At this stage it’s looking like surgery, yes.”

First choice Ruddy was at his shot-stopping best to frustrate West Brom before Shane Long’s cool second-half penalty extinguished hopes of that landmark clean sheet – a mere statistic for Lambert in the grand scheme of things.

“It’s not important, as long as you win,” he said. “You are probably better asking John that himself. From my own point of view he is playing really well and it’s not just down to him we haven’t kept a clean sheet. It’s everyone but he is playing very, very well at the minute.

“It would (bother me) if we weren’t winning games. We conceded a penalty today but the most important thing is that we’ve won. We need to try and win more games than not and we’ve certainly done that. It would be nice to get a clean sheet, the lads are desperate for it as is everybody else but we’re winning games.”

Lambert opted to reserve judgement on the rash lunging challenge from Dani Ayala that cut down Jerome Thomas to earn Albion a spot kick.

“I’ve not really seen it,” he said. “But with all the talk at the minute and a load of people saying what is right and wrong after the Manchester City incident I can see why the referee gave it.”

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12 comments

Typical comment from Ged. You obviously weren't at the Hawthorns on Saturday, when the Canaries fans were chanting, "Ruddy, Ruddy, Ruddy!!" at the end of the match. I can't see any goalie displacing JR from being first choice.

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Mr Ed

Tuesday, January 17, 2012
I think that the reson for our leakiness at the back is that we are giving the ball away to easily in midfield and when Russ and Barney were in the centre, they they were also prone to speculative runs from the back that sometimes resulted in them being turned over, as has Zak. This means that there are always opponents runing hard at the the defense and for the most part, the big man is keeping them out. His unforced error rate has really improved and he would have been OK if he saved the penalty on Saturday, which he has done before. Shane Long took one of those "Cabagey Stuff" penaties that used to be illegal but fair's fair. I am just glad that big Dani stayed on the pitch after mistiming his challenge.

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Swiss Canary

Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Ged, you obviously weren't at the Hawthorns on Saturday when the travelling fans were shouting, "Ruddy, Ruddy, Ruddy after the game!!! OK, he's not Vorm, but he's performing at the top of his game and especially when we're away from home!!!!

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Mr Ed

Tuesday, January 17, 2012
my attempt to respond to pablo`s witty remark was vetoed. But the Usual Suspect once again floats to the surface. So far this season, Ruddy is rated as the 12th-best `keeper in the Prem. So at least 8 below him. Any decent keeper in 1p5wich would take stock and leave. Stockdale, for instance. Grosskontrolleren, your Agenda is showing. OTBC.

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Mad Brewer

Monday, January 16, 2012
This is definitely a blessing in disguise. We desperately need a decent first choice keeper, let alone a back up. Come on Lambo, wake up and get a decent keeper in. NOW!!

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Ged Steroo

Monday, January 16, 2012
Keep Jed as reserve keeper as i am sure he will 'Steer' us to safety as and when required!!!

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Colby Army!

Monday, January 16, 2012
I think Bryan Gunn is the best goalie ever. Best and biggest thing since Christmas Pudding. Is that PC?

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Mad Brewer

Monday, January 16, 2012
I think the diligent and supreme ex- goalie and failed manager has all the answers. If only the Moderators permitted the questions.

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Mad Brewer

Monday, January 16, 2012
Keep Jed as reserve keeper as i am sure he will 'Steer' us to safety as and when required!!!

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Colby Army!

Monday, January 16, 2012
Ye Gods!

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Mad Brewer

Monday, January 16, 2012
Russell Martin has made some great goal line clearances this season ! Or if they dont want to spend any money, get Delia to bake a lifesize gingerbread goalie. Or Gunny, snr or jnr

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augustuspablo

Monday, January 16, 2012
I`m sure Jed Steer has plenty of potential but maybe the wrong time to put it to the test? I wonder if Barnett has done any goalkeeping? Not on the bench Sat. Hope he`s not injured too. Perhaps back home working with the goalkeeping coach!

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Mad Brewer

Monday, January 16, 2012