Ward's return bid further hit

The latest blow is the second to hit the 24-year-old since entering hospital for a routine clean-up operation on his knee.

Ward, who is expected to be out for three months, played the last of 99 senior games for Wolves in the 1-0 defeat at Manchester City at the end of August before going under the knife.

He said: "I got an infection and I ended up back in hospital, so it took me a while to come to terms with everything. It was a hard time but I'm through the worst of it now and looking to kick on.

"I haven't set any comeback targets just yet as I still can't fully bend my knee. I'm due to see the specialist next Wednesday for a check-up and I'm hoping he's pleased with my progress.

"The stitches have been in for six weeks, which is how long it takes for them to heal, so I feel things are going well and the physios seem happy."

Having had time to reflect on his injury during his rehabilitation, the hugely likeable Dubliner admits the injury came at the worst time as he was adjusting to Premier League football.

But the former Bohemians man remains hopeful of playing again this campaign.

He said: "It's always hard when you're injured, but this came at a really bad time for me with the start of our Premier League season.

"But at least there's still a long way to go, so hopefully I can get back and make some kind of contribution to us staying up.

"It was great having a taste of it in the first two or three games, but then to have it taken away was hard. It's a bit like a kid having a present on Christmas Day and then having it taken away from him for two months.

"But everyone goes through this kind of thing, it's just a part of the game. With a bit of luck though, I'll come back as a stronger person."

Ward hasn't been short of "support" from his mickey-taking colleagues in the dressing room.

He said: "They always pop in and see how you're getting on, which is nice. The banter still goes on so they try to catch you out with something, even if they haven't seen you."