Stephen Ward admits he is very much looking forward to the prospect of returning next season without the need to play through the pain barrier as he did for much of the last campaign.

 

The versatile Irishman, who has signed a new three-year contract, has revealed there were times he was operating at "60 per cent" last season after returning from an operation to repair his knee cartilage after which he suffered an infection.

 

Whilst still able to go out and compete with the usual Ward determination and work ethic, he is now hopeful he has even more to offer when returning following his recent surgery to hopefully alleviate the knee problem once and for all.

 

"I loved every minute in the Premier League," says Ward.

 

"But after the injury I was probably only 60 per cent in my knee most weeks.

"It was a bit of a grind as most days I needed half an hour to 40 minutes of treatment just to get me through training and then games.

 

"But you can't complain about the odd niggle here and there when you're playing in the biggest league in the world.

 

"Even with the few problems I had I hoped I justified my selection in a lot of the games.

 

"Hopefully it's a positive that I've come through it."

 

Ward continues:  "I'm really looking forward to coming back and going out training or playing in a game where I don't feel any pain or stiffness or not 100 per cent.

 

"If I can get myself right and come back fighting fit hopefully there's more to come from me next season.

 

"In the first season I played left back I learned a lot.

"In the last season I probably couldn't kick on as much as I'd have liked with the setback and the fact that when I came back after the infection my knee didn't feel right.

 

"I'd never use that as an excuse though and felt I'd done as well as I could.

 

"So I'm looking forward to next season and if I come back 100 per cent I think there is more improvement to come.

 

"That can only be a positive for myself and hopefully for the club."

 

There does of course promise to be an intense battle for the left back berth when Ward resumes fitness.

 

George Elokobi came in when Ward first injured his knee three games into last season and then won the place back later in the campaign and finished strongly.

 

And that's even before the potential of new arrivals checking in this summer.

 

"I think we shared the position throughout the season and ended up playing a similar amount of games," added Ward.

 

"George did well and I felt like I did well too and if we're both fit and ready to go after pre-season it will be up to the gaffer as to who plays.

 

"It's good that the gaffer's got a couple of options and maybe even more with any new players.

 

"Whoever ends up playing in the position we'll all be striving to help the team stay up again."

 

Ward is currently spending plenty of time at the Compton training ground as he continues his rehabilitation from the recent surgery.

 

He expects to be training in time for Wolves' training camp in Dublin in mid-July, but while set to travel back to his homeland is unlikely to feature in the friendly with former club Bohemians.

 

"It's feeling great at the moment," he added.

 

"I've finally nearly got full movement in my knee which I didn't have all season.

 

"In fairness I really needed a good cleanout and the cartilage trimmed.

"Hopefully I've done it at the right time and I've got plenty of time to recover to hopefully be fighting fit for soon after the start of pre-season.

"I'll be in and out of the training ground until then with that aim in mind."

 

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