Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes says he is “confident” of keeping impressive Liverpool loanee Danny Ward at the club for the rest of the season.
Ward has enjoyed a fine start to his season-long spell with the Dons, playing every minute in goal and producing a number of stunning performances.
The 22-year-old has kept six clean sheets in 14 games in the Scottish Premiership, with Aberdeen currently sitting third in the table—seven points behind perennial leaders Celtic.
But despite the arrival of Jurgen Klopp potentially complicating the relationship between Aberdeen and Liverpool, McInnes is “confident” of retaining Ward for the rest of the campaign.
“The relationship with Liverpool was initially through Brendan [Rodgers], but the relationship is there with the club at all levels,” he told the Aberdeen Press and Journal.
“I think it is important we have that relationship.
“You never know what can happen but we are confident that, certainly in Danny’s case, Liverpool see the value in him being here at Aberdeen.
“They are delighted with the fact he is getting good experience and experiencing good times as well as tougher times.
“He has faced different situations that will help his development.
“We are confident they think Danny is in the right place.”
Klopp is likely evaluating the benefits of many of the club’s loan agreements during this international break.
But while Sheyi Ojo, Ryan Kent, Sergi Canos, Ryan McLaughlin and Harry Wilson have all returned to Melwood to meet the German of late, Ward is likely to remain at the Pittodrie Stadium this season.
McLaughlin has also spent the first half of the season with the Dons, but has made only five appearances for the club in all competitions, with a total of just 136 minutes on the field.
With Liverpool currently short on right-back options, adding the Northern Irishman to the squad when his initial agreement ends in January could be a wise move by Klopp.
Ward signed a new five-year contract with Liverpool before heading to Scotland this summer, and could play a key role at the club in the future.
His performances for Aberdeen this season will no doubt pique the interest of Klopp, who may be considering the long-term future of current first choice Simon Mignolet.
A strong, agile and intelligent goalkeeper, Ward could be a potential option to succeed the Belgian as No. 1.
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