Crystal Palace vs Watford - Joel Ward determined to reach FA Cup final - 7M sport

Crystal Palace vs Watford - Joel Ward determined to reach FA Cup final



Posted Saturday, April 23, 2016 by PA

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 previously twice missed out.

The defender was a Portsmouth player when they defeated Cardiff in the final in 2008 and lost to Chelsea in 2010 but was a long way from the first team on both occasions.

He played 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 - but, having been peripheral on two occasions in the past, wants to capitalise on an opportunity he had long been optimistic would still arise.

Asked if he felt Portsmouth's relegation in 2010 meant he felt he had missed his chance to appear in an FA Cup final, the 26-year-old replied: "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, alongside Yannick Bolasie, Scott Dann and Joe Ledley, has been passed fit for Sunday's fixture, having missed Wednesday's 2-0 Barclays Premier League defeat at Manchester United because of a minor injury.

Without his influence on the last occasion Palace reached Wembley, in 2013, they may not have clinched their return to the top flight.

Recalling his crucial clearance, he said: "I can pick out little bits from it, but I think it was just an incredible, incredible experience. To do that on the national stage was amazing.

"It was a turning point for the club and a great step forward for the club. We've got great foundations here. There's a bright future in front of us."

Etienne Capoue believes Watford will get even better next season if they can keep his father figure Quique Sanchez Flores at Vicarage Road.

Flores' position as head coach is apparently under threat despite what, on the face of it, appears to have been a hugely successful campaign.

The promoted Hornets have secured Barclays Premier League safety with room to spare and now prepare for an FA Cup semi-final.

Yet owner Gino Pozzo, who got through four bosses last season, is believed to be considering another change following a run of just three league wins since the turn of the year.

Former Tottenham midfielder Capoue feels the Spaniard will take Watford further forward if he is given the opportunity to do so.

The 27-year-old said: "Can the team improve? Of course, because it's our first season. We are a new team in the Premier League.

"We expected to have a good year but we have had a very good one with a lot of new players.

"Now he knows everyone and new players will come in next season to reach another step in the Premier League, so why not?

"(His future) is none of my business, I just do my job. But he has had a very good season and he's a good manager."

Capoue, frozen out at White Hart Lane until leaving for Watford last summer, has enjoyed a new lease of life under Flores having formed a close bond with the former Valencia boss.

"We have a special relationship," he added. "It's more human than just talking about football.

"That's what helped to push me on. He's a human being and understands me and I understand him. It's a simple relationship.

"We talk about anything outside football. We try to know each other and what we like. It's like a dad and son, or a big brother and small brother. We have the same relationship."

Watford will be without Nordin Amrabat as the Moroccan forward is suspended.

The likes of Allan Nyom, Ben Watson, Capoue, Odion Ighalo and Troy Deeney should be recalled.



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