Freddie Woodman adds to list of high-profile penalty saves

Freddie Woodman thanked the Jack Army for the wonderful reception he got at Pride Park, as the goalkeeper made his latest high-profile penalty save.

Woodman, 22, had done his homework on Derby striker Martyn Waghorn, and dived low to his left to keep out his first-half spot-kick.

It proved a crucial moment as the Swans secured a valuable point on the road against Phillip Cocu’s side.

Woodman also made a sharp double stop in the second half in what was just his second Swansea appearance since arriving on loan from Newcastle.

And he added to his reputation as a penalty stopper, having previously saved penalties for England in the European Under-17 Championship final, and the Under-20 World Cup final.

“Ever since I was young, penalties seem to follow me around everywhere I go,” he said.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to represent my country in the final of major youth tournaments and save penalties.

“I know that Martyn Waghorn is a proven striker so when I saw him step up, I picked my side and went for it. It’s a really special moment for me.”

At full-time the travelling support gave Woodman a fantastic ovation, and the keeper wanted to pass on his gratitude to the Swans fans,

“It’s massive for me to have support like that,” he said.

“It was my first experience of them away from home and they were fantastic; they were so loud throughout the game.

“During times like this when we were digging in towards the end, it’s massive when they’re behind you. You put everything on the line for them and we just want to thank them.”