Ward warns Blues about danger man Michael Ricketts
Last updated 10:28, Saturday, 27 September 2008
John Ward has warned his Carlisle United defence they face a bruising afternoon at the hands of one-cap England flop Michael Ricketts.
The former top-flight striker, 29, is back from injury to lead the Walsall line in today’s clash at the Banks’s Stadium (kick-off 3pm).
And Blues boss Ward admits his centre-half pairing of Danny Livesey and Richard Keogh will have their hands full in the sixth-v-seventh battle.
“Michael Rickett will have his career questioned by a number of people because he always had the capability of playing higher than League One,” said Ward.
“But he is now at a club that has put some faith in him and given him opportunities. When a player can seize that, it is a big lift.
“Jabo Ibehre is there too – he has got power and pace as well – and my back four will have an afternoon to remember against those two. If we can come out on top of that, we will have a strong chance.”
Ward is unlikely to make major changes to his side in a bid to avoid a third straight defeat, although Scott Dobie is pushing hard for a place in attack.
Former Carlisle favourite Paul Boertien is set to start at left-back for the Saddlers in the absence of banned Netan Sansara.
