Stephen Ward backed to rediscover form

Wolves boss Terry Connor today admitted Stephen Ward's performances had dipped – but backed him to return to form to fire the club's desperate survival bid.

The stand-in skipper has been below par in the last few games but Connor insists the Ireland international is capable of returning to the levels he showed in the first half of the season, when the left-back was marked out as a Player of the Year contender.

"His last couple of games have certainly been below his normal high standards," said Connor.

"We all have good and bad spells, but during his time here he's been excellent.

"They're human beings and that machine can't always be programmed to produce eight out of 10 performances every week.

"But he's a very good player. He represents his country."

Connor insisted the captaincy hadn't placed an extra burden on Ward, who is closing in on 200 games for the club.

"He loves the idea of wearing the armband," said the boss. "I don't believe it has any bearing on his form.

"It's an honour and a privilege for me to be manager of this football club and the same applies to Stephen as captain of the team.

"He's very aware of what Wolves means to people.

"Most weeks he's on top of his game – over time he's been like Jody Craddock and the players that give their best.

"Most supporters see that and judge them over the season or couple of campaigns, not just two games."

And, asked if Ward can rediscover his best form, Connor insisted: "Of course he can."

Connor believes Ward's left flank team-mate, the in-form Matt Jarvis, can help the 27-year-old pull through his indifferent spell.

"Together they've pulled each other through over the season," he said.

"Sometimes if Jarvis has been a bit below his best, maybe Stephen has done a couple of overlaps to help him out, and maybe Jarvis is helping him out now."