Stephen Ward: Mick McCarthy an inspiration

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy has been the inspiration behind Stephen Ward's belated breakthrough into Ireland's plans for the Euro 2012 qualifiers.

Ward admits that McCarthy's consistent disappointments at the Republic manager Giovanni Trapattoni's habit of overlooking the Wolves utility player provided an extra spur.

And he was eventually rewarded with his call for the Carling Nations Cup which now sees Ward in the heart of Trapattoni's planning for the more serious business of this weekend's Euro qualifier against Macedonia.

Both Robbie Keane and Stephen Hunt have voiced their disapproval at Irish players picking and choosing their international games depending on their club schedule but McCarthy's encouragement for Ward to keep the faith was an inspiration.

"He speaks so highly of playing and managing his country, that it definitely rubbed off on me how passionate he was," he said.