Stephen Ward today revealed he is "thrilled" after signing a new three-year contract at the club he has "grown to love."

The Wolves striker-turned-defender had a year running on his previous deal but is now tied to 2013 in following Sam Vokes in putting pen to paper on new and extended terms.

And Ward, currently rehabilitating following an end-of-season knee operation, is delighted with the continuing success story forged since joining from Bohemians in the January of 2007.

"I'm thrilled to have signed a new deal," he said.

"To be honest I was a little bit worried picking up an injury so early in the season but I was pleased to get back and play a part .

"To have signed a new deal at the end of a season when we've stayed in the Premier League is brilliant for me.

"I've grown to love the club over the three-and-a-half years I've been here so I'm delighted to be here for another three years.

"The gaffer's been great to me here ever since I arrived.

"I hope I've repaid him in terms of my performances and work ethic.

"The gaffer is always looking to keep the players together when he can and I'm delighted he's decided to give me the deal.

"Hopefully I can do well next season and reward him for his confidence in me."

As for the gaffer, Mick McCarthy has never hid the admiration he holds for a player who took to the English game right from the moment he crossed the Irish Sea with Wolves in the Championship.

Ward, who turns 25 later this summer, has already chalked up 120 appearances in Wolves colours and his manager is confident there are many more to come.

"Wardy is one of the players who had to make a big step-up when he arrived at the club from Bohemians," said Mick.

"But he has answered every challenge that has been put in front of him, including reverting to the left back position and developing his game so much that he looks like he's spent all his career there.

"He did well for us in the Premier League last season, even more so as when he came back from injury he was often having to train and play through a lot of pain.

"But he'll do that for you because of the character he is and the courage he shows out on the pitch.

"Having had his operation this summer, I'm sure he'll be relishing even more the chance to play in the league again without having to suffer any niggling problems and I'm delighted he's now tied to the club for another three years."

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