Express & Star

Stephen Ward still expected to leave Wolves

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Defender Stephen Ward is still expected to leave Wolves despite a 90-minute return to senior action, boss Kenny Jackett admitted today.

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Ward made a surprise comeback in Tuesday's 1-0 win at Oxford alongside Kevin Foley, David Davis, James Henry and Leon Clarke to balance out a young side.

Dominic Iorfa and Eusebio Bancessi made full debuts. Brighton want Ward, but his permanent move there is deadlocked over wages.

But head coach Jackett still expects Ward to move on before the end of August.

"He came into this group and showed a good attitude but he's looking for his next move, we all know that," said the boss.

"I wanted to have a look at him because he had a successful year at Brighton last season.

"But it was due to the balance of the team; almost everyone played on Tuesday night, whether at Oxford or Hednesford Town.

"If I hadn't played him, it would have left the team too young against Oxford, who are a good side."

Meanwhile, Jackett said Wolves were unaware of any interest from Lens in Tongo Doumbia after reports in France said he'd agreed a contract there.

"I've spoken to the powers-that-be and I don't think that's accurate, certainly not at the moment," he said.

"There's been no approach or no offers for anyone as far as I'm aware."

Roger Johnson was the only professional not to play in midweek as a combined team lost 1-0 at Hednesford.

"Roger was coming back from a very slight ankle injury," said Jackett.