WINGER Jamie Ward admits he is looking forward to playing again under Burton Albion boss Nigel Clough after joining the Championship outfit on a season-long loan from Nottingham Forest.
“Obviously I wasn’t playing much at Forest and I had a phone call to see if I’d fancy going to Burton,” said the 30 year-old, who could make his debut for the Brewers in their game at Wolves at the weekend.
“I just thought coming back and playing for Nigel would be great, he knows what I’m like and I know what he’s like.
“We’ve had a good relationship in the past and hopefully it carries on.
“I’ve played a lot of games in this league,” he added, “I’ve been around it quite a while now. At the end of the day, the achievement for this club is to try to stay in this league. That’s our aim and I’ll keep driving the lads and keep driving myself to hope that happens.”
One player who will not be making their debut though is new Sheffield United striker Caolan Lavery as Blades manager Chris Wilder confirmed the 23 year-old is still not 100% match fit.
The Northern Ireland under-21 forward, who has signed a three-year deal at Bramall Lane, has not played a competitive game since turning out for Portsmouth on-loan last January.
“Lavery will miss our game at Wimbledon on Saturday as he still needs to build up his fitness,” said Wilder, “He’s been working extremely hard and will play on Tuesday for the under-23’s.
“Hopefully he’ll come through that okay and then be ready for the game against Peterborough United the following week.
“He’s impressed the lads with his attitude and enthusiasm and we’re sure he’ll be a real asset to this football club.”
Two other new signings will also be keen to make an impression with their new employers this weekend.
On-loan Joe Gormley could feature for Tommy Wright's St Johnstone, who travel to Partick Thistle, after the former Cliftonville striker played 64 minutes for the under-20 side who lost 2-0 to Ross County in midweek.
Meanwhile Cameron Dummigan returns from under-21 International duty with Northern Ireland hoping to stake a claim for a place in Oldham Athletics’ starting-line-up when they entertain Chesterfield in League One tomorrow.