Wolves: Ward returns to reserves after three-month lay-off

Nov 24 2009 by Bill Howell, Birmingham Mail

STEPHEN Ward makes his comeback from injury tonight as Mick McCarthy hands his fringe players a chance to claim a first-team shirt for the derby against Blues.

Republic of Ireland left-back Ward has been out for three months since having knee surgery at the end of August.

The 24-year-old has been named in the reserve side to face Fulham at Molineux (7pm), with the game having moved from Telford due to their FA Vase replay.

Ward played the first three league games of season and his return could not have come at a better time, with George Elokobi out of sorts and Matt Hill injured in recent weeks, although both make starts tonight.

“Wardy has already been on to me telling me he’s fit and ready to play,” said manager McCarthy.

Ward, who is on the verge of his 100th appearance for Wolves since his bargain £100,000 move from Bohemians in Dublin, says he cannot wait to make up for lost time.

“I’ve had a taste of the Premier League and I just want some more,” he said.

“It would have been a lot different if it had happened in pre-season and I’d be looking to get back into it now. I’ve had some experience, I know what to expect, and am looking forward to being available again and hopefully giving the gaffer another option.”

McCarthy clearly has one eye on Blues with the second string fielding a very strong side.

Kevin Foley continues his comeback from injury while Michael Kightly, Michael Mancienne, Nenad Milijas, Stefan Maierhofer and Andy Keogh have been given the chance to shine ahead of Sunday’s Molineux six-pointer.

WOLVES: Hahnemann, Foley, Mancienne, Hill, Elokobi, Kightly, Milijas, Ward, Malone, Maierhofer, Keogh. Subs: East, Dunleavy, Metcalf, Rooney, Spray, Szabo.