Ward Wants More Games With Barnett

Last updated : 15 November 2009 By Covsupport News Service

Coventry City defender Elliott Ward has said that he wants to form a defensive partnership with Leon Barnett.

The duo played at the heart of City's defence against Derby and Ward told the Sunday Mercury: “It was nice to be back and it was a good game to play in for myself, and it was nice to play next to Leon and I thought we complemented each other quite well.

“The goals came from either side of us and it is a shame about that because I thought we did really well defensively as a team in the first half when we got the goal.

“That’s the thing we have been lacking to settle us down and it was perfect for us, going in 1-0 up at half-time.

‘‘We knew they would come out and have a go after the break but their first goal came out of nothing really and it was a bit of a shame.

“And then the second one wasn’t defended well enough and we were pushing for an equaliser. But I thought me and Leon gelled quite quickly and defended a lot of the game very well.

“The manager said he wasn’t happy about us losing but at least we gave it a bit more of a shot and if you are going to lose, you have to lose fighting.

‘‘But we are disappointed with another loss and the break will help us out with getting some of the lads back from injury.

“We have to forget about the recent defeats and have a really good go in the next block of games taking us up to Christmas time and hopefully go on a run.

“I was disappointed to be left out against Reading, which is the way it goes sometimes, so it was nice to play again and hopefully I will stay in the team for the next game.”

Speaking about Leon Barnett's debut, he added: “I think Leon can do a good job for the club. ‘‘He has got a good spring and is good in the air and has a lot of experience, despite only being 24.

‘‘He has a bit of experience in the Premier League and has played in a good footballing team, but, at the end of the day, he’s a defender and hopefully he will help us out.”