Roger Johnson's redemption hailed by Ward

Johnson has gone from zero to hero with his return to form this season capped by his last-gasp equaliser in Saturday's 3-3 draw against Brighton after Wolves had been reduced to 10 men for 45 minutes following Karl Henry's red card.

The 29-year-old defender, who cost £4m from Birmingham in July 2011, became a hate figure among the Molineux masses after losing the captaincy when he turned up to train showing the effects of alcohol, then applauded Wigan fans as he warmed up while being criticised by Wolves' travelling hordes on the last day of the season.

But he has shown strength of character to sweep away any negative feelings towards him with his solid performances this season.

And vice-captain Stephen Ward said: "It was tough for him last season, but the one thing about him then was when things weren't going for him, he was still a great pro and a great lad around the place.

"It's unfortunate people didn't see that behind the scenes, but he was coming into training and working as hard as ever and he was always there.

"When he had to sit on the bench he did, and he was ready when called upon, which was credit to him not only as a player, but as a man off the pitch.

"That was one thing a lot of people didn't see, and for me, it's great to see him come back this season and be playing well because we all knew he had it in him.

"He's definitely a fans' favourite now."

Ward believes his defensive partner is reaping the benefits of his renewed application behind the scenes to show everyone the player that had people touting Johnson as an England contender during his Blues days.

"When things weren't going great for him on the training ground and on the pitch, he was applying himself as you'd want anyone to who wasn't in the team behind the scenes, and he's reaping the rewards this season," said the Ireland international.

"We all knew how good he was because we'd seen it at Blues, but for whatever reason, it didn't work out for him last season.

"There weren't many of us who could take positives out of last season, but if he can continue playing the way he is for us, that can only be a positive for us."