Ward: Wolves players backing Johnson

Acting Wolves captain Stephen Ward insists full-time skipper Roger Johnson retains the support of the dressing room after being disciplined by the club.

Johnson was fined after Wolves manager Terry Connor declared him unfit to train properly when he reported on Monday – the day after the 5-0 mauling by Fulham.

But Ward, who has led the side after Johnson was axed for the past two games, is adamant the incident is “minor” and will not disrupt the pursuit of Barclays Premier League survival.

Ward said: “Roger is a strong enough character to bounce back from this and he knows the lads are behind him 100%.

“This has got into the media, which is something that has disappointed the lads. If things happen, we’d prefer it to stay in the dressing room so we can resolve it between ourselves.

“It makes it look as if there are more problems than there are. Since Roger came here, he’s been the ultimate pro so I don’t think this will affect him.”

Ward added: “We’ve had meetings this week about being as one which is something we have been for the last two years and we’ll continue to be strong as a unit and be there for each other.

“We’ve seen stories on Wayne Rooney and Mario Balotelli in the papers but I don’t see it having an adverse effect on them or on Man United or Man City.

“It’s a minor thing in terms of our season and we’ve got to be the same and not let this affect us because all that really matters is us staying in the Premier League.”