McCarthy hails Ward heroics

MICK MCCARTHY singled out Stephen Ward for praise after the versatile Irishman helped Wolves record a deserved derby victory over Birmingham.

Dubliner Ward was switched from his usual left-back slot to a striking role by McCarthy for the 1-0 win after compatriot Kevin Doyle was ruled out of the Molineux meeting with a thigh injury.

It is a role the 25-year-old is familiar with, having arrived in the West Midlands from Bohemians as a forward when McCarthy signed him in 2007.