Stephen Ward: The only way is up

Stephen Ward today hailed a more mature Wolves who are now thinking above mere survival in their third Premier League campaign.

The 26-year-old Dubliner, now preparing for European Championship qualifiers with Ireland, is another of Mick McCarthy's stalwarts earning fresh acclaim for his form during the three-game start.

But he believes the entire squad are now showing the benefits of two previous seasons at this level.

"We finished last season strongly and I think having had another year in it, everyone has played their part," he said.

"Going into our third season, we're not newcomers anymore and we feel like we're becoming an established Premier League team, which is what the aim is.

"We want to stay up this season but finish as high as we can."