Stephen Ward hails Wolves' support cast

Stephen Ward today insisted Wolves' bit-part heroes have proved themselves.

Ward was man of the match in yesterday's 1-0 win over Birmingham as Mick McCarthy's side warmed up for Sunday's Black Country derby against Albion at The Hawthorns.

Victory was a triumph over adversity after McCarthy was robbed of 11 players for the game with Kevin Doyle, Matt Jarvis, Steven Mouyokolo, David Jones, Michael Mancienne, Jody Craddock, Karl Henry, Adlene Guedioura and Michael Kightly all injured, Marcus Bent ineligible and David Davis suspended.

Ward played up front for the first time in more than two-and-a-half years, right-back Kevin Foley shifted to central midfield and Dave Edwards played his first game back after injury.

"People asked what else could go wrong before the game?" said Ward. "It looked like it was going to be one of those days, but other lads came in and proved they can play in those positions. No matter what 11 players go out on the pitch I think we've got a good enough squad to stay in the league."

Ward also believes beating Blues was the perfect preparation to face Albion.

"With it being a local derby as well it should give us confidence to push on," he said. "I know we've said it before after a win but we really need to kick on now with another massive derby this week for the fans and for ourselves. We needed to win and we did and can take that into the Albion game."