Stephen Ward will play through the pain for Wolves
Stephen Ward insists he will continue to play through the pain barrier to keep Wolves on track for safety at a happy hunting ground.
The experienced utility man heads for Charlton tomorrow having played in Tuesday's 1-0 win against Hull with bruised ribs.
He picked up the injury before his fourth minute opening goal in the 3-1 defeat to Huddersfield last Saturday.
Ward, who returned to the side at wide left against the Terriers, was in some discomfort last weekend but insists the blow won't keep him out tomorrow.
He said: "I have had it scanned and there's no damage. It's just about managing the pain, which we were able to do the other night.
"It's not bad enough to keep me out – it's sore but the doctor gave me a jab before Tuesday's game which numbed it a bit.
"It's just nice to be contributing to us getting some good results and hopefully staying up."
The Republic of Ireland international, 27, who made his 200th league and cup start on Tuesday, is Wolves' longest-serving player after Karl Henry.
Wolves have won at The Valley on their two previous visits – 3-2 in March 2008 and 3-1 the following September.
He said: "It's always nice to go to grounds where you've had good results, and the Valley is one of those.
"Me and Michael Kightly were injured for the first game and we watched in on TV.
"But I don't think Karl Henry has ever stopped talking about that goal he scored in the last few minutes!"
Charlton have only lost once in seven games, with a goalless draw at champions-elect Cardiff on Tuesday after a thumping 6-0 win at Barnsley last Saturday.
Ward said: "They're on a great run, they're scoring from all angles, so we'll have to be right. There are a lot of tired legs after Tuesday night.
"But, in this league, you can get a good result anywhere, and, if we can, we will be one step closer to staying up."