De Ridder ‘gutted’ at late leveller (From Daily Echo)

Steve De Ridder ‘gutted’ at late leveller from Ipswich

9:39am Wednesday 7th March 2012 in Saints News By Adam Leitch , Chief Sports Writer

STEVE DE Ridder admitted he was “gutted” by Ipswich Town’s late equaliser.

The Saints sub made an instant impact after coming on, providing the assist for Rickie Lambert to open the scoring in only his second league appearance of 2012.

But 11 minutes later he watched in horror as Jason Scotland’s deflected strike beat Kelvin Davis.

It was the first goal Davis had conceded in four Championship matches.

De Ridder said: “It was from a ball into the channel that looked harmless enough but he (Scotland) cut in, it deflected and disappeared behind Kelvin.

“We’re gutted about it. We just had to close him down faster.

“Three points would have been important but we need to keep pushing on and not look behind us.

“We have one common goal – to get to the Prem.”

De Ridder has gained a reputation as a super sub this term.

Last night he provided much-needed width with the contest heading for stalemate.

“The gaffer told me to do my own thing and make some things happen,” he said.

“I guess I did. I took on my opponents and of course Rickie proved himself again.

“As a winger it’s special to have a player like that in the team. I just put the ball in there and he gets on the end of it. Amazing.”

De Ridder is now hoping for another chance to show what he can do at home to Barnsley on Saturday.

“I’m a player who wants to play every week and I think I grabbed the opportunity to prove myself again – but I need to keep improving,” he added.