Moyes defends Ruddy

03 August 2010 11:00
Everton manager David Moyes has leapt to the defence of Norwich goalkeeper John Ruddy following his howler at the weekend. Ruddy let a tame Tim Cahill shot trickle underneath him to gift the Toffees the lead on their way to a 4-2 win over the Canaries in a pre-season friendly on Saturday. But Moyes - who allowed the 23-year-old to leave Goodison Park in the summer - insists the former Motherwell loanee has the strength of character to move on from the mistake and put it behind him. "That mistake happens and maybe it's better to get it out of the way before the season starts," Moyes said in the Norwich Evening News. "It will maybe re-focus John but you ask people about John Ruddy in Scotland and they will tell you arguably he was the best goalkeeper up there last season. He will be fine." Team-mate Andrew Crofts also voiced his support for Ruddy, adding: "He isn't going to let that affect him. He's done really well and it was just one of those things, but the lads responded well."

Source: PA