'It's been a whirlwind couple of days'
Danny Ward admits the last week has been something of a ‘whirlwind’ for him on a personal level, but the goalkeeper insists he is fully focused on the challenges that lie ahead after his return to Liverpool.
Jürgen Klopp opted to recall the 22-year-old from his season-long loan spell with Aberdeen in the build-up to Wednesday evening's Anfield meeting with Barclays Premier League leaders Arsenal.
And he was named on the bench as the Reds played out a thrilling 3-3 draw with Arsene Wenger's side that saw Joe Allen net late on to secure a share of the spoils.
Reflecting on what has been a hectic period for him, Ward told Liverpoolfc.com: “I got the call on the Sunday. I’d just had a game on the Saturday against Hearts in the Scottish Cup, so I was shocked but it was something that came around really quick.
“I literally that night jumped on a plane and was in training [at Melwood] the next day. It’s been a whirlwind couple of days.
“It was nice being back at such a special ground but slightly strange after playing every week since the start of the season in Scotland.”
Ward excelled during his time at Pittodrie, keeping 12 clean sheets in 29 appearances to help Derek McInnes' team battle Celtic for top spot in the league.
The 'keeper is grateful to the Dons for having him and takes away good memories and vital experience from his short spell north of the border.
He added: “It was massive for me this year to go and get games. I’m just thankful that a club as a big as Aberdeen gave me the opportunity to play and get games and exposure which was done me the world of good.
“You never know how you’re going to react in pressure situations in front of big crowds until you're actually there and experiencing it.
“I’m thankful that I've had the ups and downs of football whilst I’ve been up to Scotland.
"We had a little run in the Europa League where we went to Rijeka [in Croatia] who had this formidable home record. I think it was nearly 60 games undefeated and we weren’t given a chance but we kept a clean sheet and won 3-0 which was really satisfying.
“I’m obviously sad to leave Aberdeen but that’s football and I’m looking forward to the challenge that lies back here.”
Ward is now competing with Simon Mignolet and Adam Bogdan for a place in the Reds' starting XI but he insists he isn't looking too far ahead yet.
“You don’t to try and run before you can walk.” he said. “Obviously it would be nice to try and get a game in any competition for this club. But as I said, take it day by day, work hard and catch the eye.
“[I’ve] just [got to] keep an open mind, train as hard as I can. I know it’s a bit of an old cliche, but take one day and one session at a time and see what comes around.
“I think [the manager] is just expecting me to come back and obviously challenge with Simon and Adam and train as hard as I can, like I have done ever since I signed for Liverpool, and hopefully [I will] catch the eye.”