Ruddy proved point to Roy - Hughton

Last Updated: Mon, 19 Nov 2012 15:52
Norwich%20City

Norwich boss Chris Hughton believes John Ruddy has proved a point to Roy Hodgson after the Canaries keeper missed the Sweden friendly.

The England manager, who was criticised for playing first-choice Joe Hart in the friendly against Sweden last week, was at Carrow Road to see Ruddy help keep Manchester United at bay in City's remarkable 1-0 win.

Hughton believes the ex-Everton keeper is now pushing Hart for his place after the Manchester City's star's shaky performance in Stockholm.

"I've been impressed with John. Especially in recent games, where we have been tight as a unit. And they're the moments of concentration you have to have," said Hughton.

"This wasn't so much about saving one-on-one efforts, or turning it around the posts. It was about concentration levels. About making good ­decisions when to come and when not to come. To be brave and get among bodies.

"And that is a mark of a really good keeper when you have to make good ­decisions in a game where you didn't have a lot of one-on-ones to make.

"Keeping clean sheets is what it's all about for a goalkeeper. And what he has at the moment is a very resilient group of players in front of him that are restricting the chances he is having to deal with."

Hodgson's next squad will be for the February friendly against Brazil and Hughton believes that Ruddy will again be in contention to add to his solitary cap - gained in the 2-1 win over Italy earlier this season.

"It is no coincidence he is with England on most ­internationals now," added Hughton.

"And of course the England manager was there to see him and this game wouldn't have done John any harm.

"As with any player, you want to be playing at international level. It is recognition of where you're at as a player.

"And I would think if that doesn't give him a lift nothing will."

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