Praising the full-back, who celebrates 10 years with Crystal Palace this summer, Vieira explained that Ward’s example helps to develop Academy players when they cross over Copers Cope Road.
“He’s massively important,” the manager said in his pre-Watford press conference. “For me it’s really important to have this positive role model. We’re talking about the young players we want to bring from the Academy and they need to identify themselves with a really good example, and Wardy is one of them; his competitiveness and everyday work to perform at the weekend.