FINISHING BOTTOM OF the Premier League may not seem like the ideal preparation for a major international tournament but Stephen Ward believes he couldn’t be in better shape.
The Dubliner is one of four Irish internationals in the Wanderers team which is certain for the drop having endured a forgettable campaign as the sacking of manager Mick McCarthy in February couldn’t stop the rot.
Being involved in a weekly relegation scrap must surely take its toll on players, but not Ward. The 26-year-old has managed to play every minute of all 36 league games so far and wants to go out on a high by making it a clean sweep.
“It would be nice to finish out by playing 90 minutes in the last two games,” said Ward, who was talking at the FAI’s launch of their Eflow Summer Soccer Schools at Lansdowne Road today. “It would be a bit of a milestone for me.
I’m actually feeling quite fresh. I’ve really monitored my training over the last month or two being aware that, fingers crossed, I’ve got a long summer ahead.
“I wanted to make sure I was right for Wolves on gameday and that I was fit come the end of the season and thankfully I am.”
When he originally made the move across the water from Bohemians in 2007, Ward was a striker with a growing reputation and several Ireland U21 caps to his name. He saw limited playing time until being asked to adjust his game and fill in at the unfamiliar role of full-back, however.
Since the move, he hasn’t looked back and has been a rare positive at Molineux this term.
On a personal level, I’ve probably had my most consistent season and played with some real form this year. It’s just unfortunate that it has ended on a sour note and we’ve got relegated.
“It’s devastating really. The writing has been on the wall the last couple of weeks and we’re just coming to terms with it now so it’s time to look ahead to the Euros then see what happens after that and hopefully get back up next year.
“I don’t think there’s a better way to get refocused and get morale sky high again than being in the squad for a European championships.”
Rise to prominence
Initially getting the shout from Giovanni Trapattoni for last year’s Carling Nations Cup triumph, he made his senior competitive bow against Slovakia and went on to score in the second leg draw with Estonia which secured Ireland’s place in Poland. And his swift rise up the ladder to become Kevin Kilbane’s natural successor as first choice left back came as quite a shock.
“I always dreamt that we’d qualify and I hoped of getting a chance to get in the squad. I waited a long time to get into it and had to be very patient but it came last year and I’m still pinching myself that I’ve played as much as I have.
“I probably would’ve taken being in and around the squad picking up caps when I could but to come in and play has been a dream and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. It’s an amazing feeling.”
This Monday is D-Day for the 23 players set to be included in Trap’s squad and the half-dozen others who will be given the summer off and despite being regarded as a regular name on the team sheet now, Ward isn’t taking anything for granted and cannot wait for suspense to be over.
I’m a worrier and I’m always nervous. I’ve spoken to a lot of the lads and it’s nice to answer questions about the tournament but everyone just wants the squad to be named and to see if you’re in it.”
The team unity is evident by Ward’s closing remark that whoever is picked, there will be a genuine feeling of compassion from those fortune enough to have earned a place on the plane.
“There’s going to be disappointment and it’s a real shame the squad has to be so minimal,” he says. “23 is quite small in comparison to squads that are named in qualifiers so it’s unfortunate that there are players who are going to miss out.
“It’s such a tightly-knit group that even the players who do make it will be hurt about others having to miss out.”
