Monday 11 January 2016 17:19, UK
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has decided to recall goalkeeper Danny Ward from a loan at Aberdeen.
The German saw regular No 2 Adam Bogdan conceded a goal direct from a corner in the FA Cup at Exeter on Friday as he deputised for established first choice Simon Mignolet.
Bogdan's performance came after he was also culpable in Liverpool's recent 3-0 Premier League defeat to Watford at Vicarage Road.
Ward moved to Pittodrie in the summer, and Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes praised the goalkeeper's contribution during his time in Scotland.
McInnes said: "Naturally we are disappointed Liverpool FC have opted to recall Danny. We were very fortunate to secure Danny during the summer and we thank Liverpool for believing Pittodrie would be a good platform for Danny to continue his development
"His progression has been clear for all to see and he's demonstrated to everyone what a capable keeper he is.
"Everyone at AFC would like to thank him for all his efforts during his time here and wish him all her very best in his future career."
And Ward expressed his gratitude to Aberdeen for the 'amazing support' he has received from the team and fans during his six-month stay in the north of Scotland.
He Tweeted: "Dandies, I would just like to place on record my deepest thanks to the manager, staff, players and everyone involved at Aberdeen for giving me the opportunity to play at such a big club.
"To all the fans, I can't thank you enough... from Kilmarnock to Kazakhstan your support has been amazing and you made my time at the club very special."
The goalkeeping position has been an area of concern for a while with newspaper reports linking the Reds with a move for Barcelona's Marc Andre Ter Stegen.
Klopp has been quick to play down talk that he wants a new goalkeeper but could now give highly-rated Ward a chance to impress on the training ground after a hugely successful spell north of the border.
The Anfield club are in the midst of an injury crisis and several players have been sidelined with hamstring problems.
That led to Klopp making wholesale changes to his team for the 2-2 draw at St James Park, with a number of reserve players starting in a side with an average age of 22.
Ward has impressed during his time at the Scottish Premiership club and has kept 11 clean sheets in 29 appearances, helping Aberdeen to second in the league table.
The 22-year-old made his final appearance for the club in Saturday's 1-0 Scottish Cup defeat to Hearts at Tynecastle.
Ward has been an unused substitute for Wales in recent months off the back of his good form for Aberdeen.
He is hoping to be called into Chris Coleman's squad for Euro 2016 and will look to keep playing on his return to Liverpool in order to make that happen.
