THE ONE AND ONLY 8
PLAYER INTERVIEW PP COMING BACK AN ‘EASY DECISION’ FOR DAN Goalkeeper Daniel Iversen says his decision to return to Deepdale in 2021/22 was an easy one, after the fans’ reaction to him on social media during his successful loan in the second half of the last campaign. The new <strong>North</strong> <strong>End</strong> No.12, taking the shirt after the retirement from playing of Paul Gallagher, told The One And Only that the people and the supporters were what made his decision an easy one. “I have looked forward to being back and in front of the supporters for the first time,” he told the matchday programme. “When I was at the club before, the fans were amazing on social media and I had good team-mates, so it was an easy club to come back into and it was important for me I had a good club, not just how high they were in the league – the people at the club were important and there are some nice people here and it was an easy choice for me.” The move back from the Foxes on a season-long loan was one that he had expected all summer, but he understood why it had taken longer than people may have anticipated. “I always thought it was 90 per cent sorted out and the two clubs were talking from early on, so everything was sorted and then it was just down to waiting for the green light from Leicester for when to go, when Kasper [Schmeichel] and Wardy [Danny Ward] were back from international duty. “I always hoped they would get through [their games at the Euros] and stay fit and come back strong, but I also wanted them to stay long – especially Denmark – and they did that.” Euro 2020 was a positive one for the Danes, after the horrific start that saw Christian Eriksen needing life-saving treatment on the pitch of their opening game against Iceland. Dan was on stand-by for the national team and admits it was a shock to watch, but was delighted with the team’s overall efforts. “I didn’t think too much about it [being on stand-by] in the summer; I stayed fit - like I always do – so if they called me, I was ready – although I wouldn’t have seen a ball for a couple of weeks, but physically I was ready, but I didn’t think about it too much. “I was away with a couple of friends to watch the [first] game and it was really shocking. No-one really said anything and then we heard it was a heart attack and no one knew what to say. When they played the second half we wondered whether we should go home or stay and watch. “A lot of the players knew Christian personally and his family as well, so it was hard for them – especially, to go and play the rest of the game. You could see how strong the group were, not just as players, but also outside the pitch as well. It is a strong group and did unbelievably well. “I thought we would beat England, but they are a good side, with Premier League players all over. It was a good game for them and I was also happy for England – I was hoping Denmark would win, but I was happy for England to get through to the final.” The loanee’s opening game probably came earlier than expected, when he had to replace Declan Rudd ten minutes into the first game of the season, against Hull City, something he says he had to be prepared for. “It is really hard to be a reserve goalkeeper,” he continued. “You have to be prepared mentally in case something happens and on the opening day that happened with Declan and I had to be ready. “It is the first time I have done that, so it was a different occasion. It is different to being an outfield substitute and what happened to Dec was his head, so you are hoping he is okay, so I was pleased he got up the first time, but then I felt sad for him when he went down at the goal kick. I had to be ready though and then try to play my game. “It is a hard game for goalkeepers. I want the best for all the goalkeepers in the club here – not only for Dec, but for Matt [Hudson] and Rippers [Connor Ripley] – I want the best for them – but only one can play and it is therefore a difficult position and whoever plays, you have to support them and try and help them win the game we are in. The most important thing is the team,” he added. 9