Derby County striker Dwight Gayle has now praised teammate Joe Ward for the role he played in the 2-1 win over Reading last night.
Dwight Gayle has made an impact at Derby County that fans were craving when he arrived at the club on a free transfer. The 34-year-old has scored three goals in his last three games to help the Rams secure nine more points in their race for promotion.
The veteran striker endured a nightmare spell at Stoke City, but following Derby’s 2-1 win over Reading last night, Gayle revealed how his start to life at Pride Park has been a “dream come true”.
His outside-of-the-boot finish in last night’s victory opened the scoring and while he stole the plaudits for his exceptional performance once more, the forward has now reserved praise for Joe Ward, who assisted him with his goal.
Dwight Gayle praises Derby County teammate Joe Ward
Speaking to BBC Radio Derby after last night’s match, Gayle highlighted one attribute of Ward’s game that has benefitted him.
The 28-year-old constantly looks to fashion space for a cross and his assist for the striker’s goal last night is a prime example of the quality he’s capable of producing.
“He’s obviously so gifted with his crosses and he got two assists a couple weeks ago. He’s constantly just looking for the strikers in the box so, we’ve got some great players,” Gayle said.
Ward is enjoying an incredible turnaround and is now a regular fixture in Paul Warne’s plans after struggling with injuries throughout this campaign. The former Peterborough man started as a right wing-back in the 3-0 win over Port Vale and recorded two assists, adding to that total in last night’s triumph.
During his time at the Posh last term, Ward registered 10 assists in League One, so Derby knew they were getting a quality operator and seven months after joining the club, he’s finally starting to show it.
Gayle has benefitted from Ward’s ammunition
Warne switching back to a formation with wing-backs has benefitted the supply line into Gayle.
The £7k-a-week star is given license to maraud down the right flank and do what he does best; firing quality ammunition into the penalty area.
As a striker who thrives from crosses being sent into the box, Gayle is normally well-placed to get on the end of one, as highlighted by his goal against the Royals.
Derby also look far more threatening with Ward and fellow wing-back, Louie Sibley, in the starting XI.
Ward and Gayle will be aiming to carry on their fine form in their clash against Bolton Wanderers on Saturday.