Stephen Ward's glad to be back after injury spell

Nov 30 2009 by Bill Howell, Birmingham Mail

WOLVES defender Stephen Ward admitted it was good to be back after ending his three-month injury nightmare.

The Irish full-back underwent knee sugery in August, having last played in the 1-0 defeat at Manchester City.

The 24-year-old shone as a half-time replacement for Michael Mancienne against Blues on the back of just one hour in the reserves last week.

“The knee felt good, but I think the adrenalin of playing in a game helped because I have been feeling it a bit in training, although it’s nothing to stop me from playing,” he said.

“It’s good to get back involved in the first team again because it’s been a long time.

“It’s just a shame I came back in on such a sour note, but from a personal point of view, it was good to be back involved again.”

Ward’s arrival definitely aided Wolves.

“I just tried to have an impact on the game,” he said.

“We didn’t have a great first half and the gaffer thought changes were needed.

‘‘So I tried to get on the ball as much as possible and get forward, which is what we needed to do.”

Ward said he is keen to play 90 minutes against Bolton on Saturday.

“I felt good and if you can play 60 minutes, then the adrenalin gets you through the last 30,” he said

“We’ll see what happens during the week and see how training goes.

“Hopefully I can add something and contribute from now to the end of the season.”

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