Mick McCarthy's decision to take his recovering players along on this week's tour of Ireland has certainly been good news for the two Irish Stephens - messrs Hunt and Ward.

Hunt remains some way off first team availability having just come out of the protective boot following foot surgery but Ward is that bit closer and is set to join in full training today following his summer knee operation.

Both have taken a boost from travelling 'back home' across the Irish Sea for this week's mini-tour, not least Ward who will certainly be a popular figure when taking in Saturday's friendly with his former club Bohemians.

"It's great to come back home," says Ward.

"I didn't think I'd be coming because of being injured but I'm close to being back training with the lads and it's good to be over.

"Yesterday was the first day I've done the warm-up with the rest of the lads and joining in some of the running so I'm probably not far away from joining in with the football.

"And it's great to be going back to Bohemians on Saturday.

"They were the first professional club I played for and were really good to me there.

"It helped me make a name for myself and got me the move to Wolves.

"It's unfortunate I won't be able to play in the game but obviously nice to go back and see a few people I haven't seen for a long time."

Ward admits it's always good to get away during pre-season as a team bonding exercise as well as getting to know new faces, one of whom is Hunt.

Hunt admits he already knows a fair sprinkling among the Wolves squad, and is also using the tour to continue his rehabilitation which has now seen the protective boot made redundant.

"It's nice to be away and getting to know the lads a bit better," he says.

"It's a good four days to get some more hard work done as well as a bit of relaxation.

"Hopefully the boot has gone for good now.

"I'm out of it for the first time in 12 weeks and now it's a matter of building my leg back up, working hard and trying to get fit.

"It's good to get walking again and get the calf muscle back again.

"It's nice for the injured players to feel involved and around the lads by coming away on the tour.

"It can be hard work and lonely when you're injured but it's good for all of us to be here.

"I've got to keep my head down, work hard and when I come back try and do my talking on the pitch."

* The full interview with Stephen Ward as well as exclusive training footage from Ireland is now available to subscribers to Wolves Player.

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