Ward aiming high after new Reds deal
Danny Ward has vowed to keep working hard to achieve his ultimate aim of one day claiming the No.1 jersey at Liverpool after committing his future to the club.
The 22-year-old, who played a prominent role for the Reds' U21 team last season, penned a long-term extension to his contract on Tuesday.
Speaking exclusively to Liverpoolfc.com after agreeing his new deal, the Welshman said: "I'm very happy now that it's finally been sorted.
"To sign a new long-term deal is massive for me at this stage of my career so hopefully now it's time to kick on.
"Over the last few years since I've been at Liverpool I feel like I've come on quite a lot.
"Obviously it's a massive club and to sign a new deal means they want to keep me, which is massive for me. Hopefully I can crack on, keep going and carry on my development."
Ward enjoyed a productive conclusion to the 2014-15 campaign that saw him make five starts in League Two during a month-long loan stint with Morecambe before regularly featuring in the first-team squad after returning to Anfield.
The Wrexham-born shot-stopper then also claimed a place in the Wales senior squad for a win over Belgium that put his country in with a fine chance of making their first major tournament appearance since 1958.
Reflecting on a successful period on a personal level, Ward explained: "It was fantastic being around the first team for as long as I was and in the matchday squad.
"I think the month-long loan at Morecambe really put me in good stead and boosted my development again. Last year was a success for me, personally."
And on his Wales experience, he added: "All campaign, every squad that I've been involved in, the lads have been very welcoming.
"They've got a real good team spirit in there and at the minute the lads are flying. Hopefully, we can make a bit of history and get to a major championship, which I think we could."
Brendan Rodgers has already moved to strengthen his goalkeeping options this summer with the acquisition of Adam Bogdan, who will join Liverpool when his Bolton Wanderers contract expires on July 1, subject to a medical.
However, Ward insists the extra competition will help him, rather than discourage him from achieving his dream of earning the gloves at Anfield on a permanent basis.
"Competition is what brings us goalkeepers on," he said.
"We spend a lot of time in each other's company, away from the rest of the squad and every single day you're fighting against each other to be the best in training, hoping to catch the eye of all the coaching staff, especially the manager.
"Obviously you welcome [competition] with open arms.
"Next season, we'll see and have a chat with the club but hopefully [I can] go and get some games, that will be key for my development at the minute.
"In the long-term, who knows? I'll carry on working hard and the ultimate goal is to play in the first team. I know I've got a long way to go but hopefully [I can]."