McCarthy hails Ward heroics
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.
The former Ireland manager was delighted with Ward’s contribution as his relegation-threatened team moved within a point of safety courtesy of Stephen Hunt’s 45th-minute goal.
He said: “Wardy was brilliant. He went back to doing the job he was bought for £100,000 from Bohemians. He’s had a fabulous performance.
“I’m delighted with our team’s performance, we played well. We’ve come away with a 1-0 victory but Wayne (Hennessey) has not made any saves of note.
“There’s no doubt we deserved the victory. I would say their keeper was their star player. It was a great clean sheet and it helps everybody to feel better about themselves.”
McCarthy felt the win dismissed suggestions morale could be low in the Wolves camp after they had lost five of their previous six Premier League matches heading into the derby.
He added: “People keep asking me about team spirit and morale and I keep saying ‘it’s good’. I’m not sure people believe me but I think performances like that speak volumes for it.”
“With all the things that have gone wrong, it was set up for us to get beat, but the players weren’t going to let it happen. They’ve been terrific.”
The significance of the victory was illustrated by Wolves chairman Steve Morgan’s decision to greet the Wanderers players pitch-side after the whistle with a handshake.
“He cares about it, he’s just like everybody else, he wants us to win and do well,” said the Wolves boss.
“He’s very supportive, it’s great. But it’s not over and above anything else because that’s the way he is with me.
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