The goalkeeper was last in action against Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup in October, but was on pre-match media duty, ahead of his second Europa League start of the season on Thursday. Wolves must beat Besiktas and hope Braga drop points to be in with a chance of finishing at the top, but, nevertheless, Ruddy is excited to get back over the white line in Wolves colours.
On finishing the group in style
“We’re looking to continue where we left off in the league and the Europa League this season. We have the opportunity to win the group, it depends what happens elsewhere, but we want to take care of what we can take care of, and that’s making sure we get the win.”
On taking his opportunity
“It’s one of those things, if you go into a game and perhaps don’t have the performance that you want to have, you don’t play as well as you want to, you might then have to wait two months for your next opportunity.
“Against Aston Villa I was disappointed with the performance from myself and, for me, if I looked at the fixture list, I thought I’d have to wait until the FA Cup in January to try to rectify that.
“Thankfully I’ve got this game, but when you’re not playing as often, you don’t get seven, eight games in row to pull it together and really get into it.
“I’m confident in my own ability, I’ve had a very good career, and I’m hopeful that it will continue to many more years as well. We take it one game at a time and that starts tomorrow.”
On maintaining his sharpness
“I prepare as I always prepare, try and be ready, and do the best that I can for the team and for myself.
“Hopefully that will be enough on Thursday, but we’ve got a really good squad, as you’ve seen over the course of the last couple of years, so we’re confident with each other and that we can get the job done.”
On the camp in Marbella
“It was good. It was a nice bit of sun, a good couple of days away and we’re coming back, ready to continue where we left off.”
