Crystal Palace defender Joel Ward keen to secure FA Cup final place
Saturday 23 April 2016 14:26, UK
Joel Ward is determined to earn his first FA Cup final appearance when Crystal Palace meet Watford in Sunday's semi-final at Wembley, having twice missed out during his career.
The defender was on Portsmouth's books when they defeated Cardiff in the final in 2008 and lost to Chelsea in 2010, but was not a first team regular on either occasion.
The 26-year-old did feature in Palace's victorious 2013 Championship play-off final against Watford at Wembley, when he blocked a shot on the line in extra-time to secure promotion for the Eagles.
Having missed out on two cup semi-finals during his career, Ward is keen to play his part this time round.
But when asked if he felt Portsmouth's relegation in 2010 meant he felt he had missed his chance to appear in an FA Cup final, he said: "No. That's the beauty of the cup, isn't it?
"It was the same for Wigan with them going down and getting to Wembley [in 2013]. It was the same for Portsmouth with the things they went through.
"I was there on the day [in 2008]. I was actually out on loan that season at Bournemouth, but I was present for the final.
"I was more involved two years later when I tagged along with the squad to the semi and the final. It was incredible to be involved with. But I wouldn't say I was involved in either of them in any shape or form.
"I was a young player coming through and the main thing for me was to try and be involved towards the end of the season. I'd just come back from injury.
"You're almost slightly detached from it all, being a young player. It was great being involved and being there, but in the back of everyone's mind was the fact it was devastating to be relegated and the way the club was going.
"It was a bad time at the club, with administration and the way things were."
Ward has been passed fit for Sunday's game despite missed Wednesday's 2-0 Premier League defeat at Manchester United because of a minor injury.
Yannick Bolasie, Scott Dann and Joe Ledley are also in line to feature.
