John Ruddy: Wolves boss Nuno helped keep me going this season

Ruddy made his first league appearance of the season in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Cardiff at Molineux.

Nuno said it was to help prepare the 32-year-old for Wolves’ FA Cup quarter-final against Manchester United a week on Saturday, with Ruddy having been Wolves’ cup keeper this season.

However, Rui Patricio is set to return between the sticks for Saturday’s trip to Chelsea. Ruddy said: “Nuno wanted me to get some game time under my belt.

“Going in against Manchester United, you don’t want to go in cold.

“He made it perfectly clear that Saturday was a game he wanted me to play. Next weekend I would expect Rui to be back in and prepare myself for a couple of weeks.”

Ruddy has made no secret of his frustration at being left out the side.

He admitted that in years gone by he’d have thrown his toys out the pram.

“I felt I’d done enough last year to deserve a chance, but it wasn’t to be,” he added.

“But to be part of the squad is extremely special.

“To be part of it and work with a manager on a daily basis who is as good as Nuno is something that keeps you going.

“If it was probably five or six years ago and I was a bit younger and immature, I would be kicking my heels a little bit and chucking my toys out of the pram maybe.

“But I am 32, I have had a good career and I believe I can still contribute at this level. I wait for my chance.

“It will be a tough game against Manchester United in a couple of weeks, but we look forward to it.

“On a personal level, it has been different, but it has been a big learning curve for me as well.

“To be able to see how the manager works on a daily basis and see how Rui works to try to learn as much as I can still. I still want to play for the next eight years at least.

“I have plans in place and dreams and aspirations and a part of that is playing in the Premier League.

“I will continue to fight and continue to work hard to make sure the manager knows I am ready when needed.”