Motherwell keeper John Ruddy concedes that Everton career could be over

Everton goalkeeper John Ruddy has admitted that his career with the Toffees is almost certainly over following the signing of Jan Mucha.

The arrival of the Slovakia international keeper next season will provide a wealth of competition for the No.1 jersey, joining the likes of Tim Howard and Iain Turner at Goodison Park.

Ruddy has impressed considerably during a season-long loan deal at Motherwell, helping them climb up the SPL table.

Reports have suggested that the 23-year-old is fancied by Scottish giants Celtic but while he is not ruling out staying at Motherwell, he would prefer a move down south.

When asked if he sees his future at Goodison Park, he told Sky Sports News: "No, not now. Not now they've signed another keeper.

"Next season they'll have two keepers, myself and Iain Turner. So I can't see myself playing unless there are injuries or suspensions.

"I've resigned myself to the fact that my time at Everton is at an end, but I've enjoyed it and I've got nothing bad to say about them.

"I'd prefer to go back down south. My family are living around Cambridge so I'd prefer to go down towards that area, but we'll have to look at what comes up this summer and weigh up the options.

"That's the first I've heard of it to be honest," he added on Celtic's reported interest. "You always take with a pinch of salt anyway so, but I didn't read too much into that.

"I've not heard anything [from Celtic]. When you're doing OK you tend to get speculation about clubs interested, but until someone sticks a contract in my face I don't read much into it.

"Motherwell aren't the biggest club in the SPL, but they aren't the smallest either. The club has a big pull and that's one of the reasons why I joined in the summer. If they did get into Europe then that's something I'd have to think about."

Ruddy worked with former manager Jim Gannon during his time at Stockport and while he appreciates him bringing him to the SPL he has praised Motherwell’s latest management duo Craig Brown and Archie Knox.

The stopper feels Brown's decision to add continuity to the backline has paid dividends.

"I worked with Gannon before at Stockport and he gave me a chance," he continued.

"I always got along with him. Perhaps his man-management let him down slightly.

"I think that's something that Craig Brown and Archie Knox have brought to the club. They know how to deal with players, how to speak to them and how to make them feel part of the team when they are not in their plans.