Wolves match-winner Stephen Ward was today hailed as the epitomy of the club by boss Mick McCarthy.

The Ireland international volleyed a spectacular winner at Blackburn to clinch three points at Ewood Park – the first time Wolves have won away in the Premier League after trailing.

Ward, whose goal came after Kevin Doyle’s 47th-minute penalty was saved, is hugely popular among the squad but McCarthy feels the 25-year-old isn’t as appreciated as much outside the dressing room.

“He’s not always been appreciated at the club,” said the boss.

“By me and his team-mates he has though because he really is golden. But other people get appreciated more.

“If you can get those wonderfully talented players that win you games then great, but every one of ours knows what they have to do, and he epitomises the teams I build.

“Whether he plays left-back, left midfield, centre midfield or centre forward, he does his job.

“He doesn’t set the world on fire but I’m not bothered about that.

“I like players that give me seven out of 10 every week and are rock solid in training, and who do their job.

“He puts a shift in, willingly, whether it’s left-back, left-midfield, centre-midfield or centre-forward. ”

Ward has targeted another win against Fulham this Sunday to make it a “great” start for Wolves.

“If we could get a similar result it would make it a great start for us,” said the left-back.

Meanwhile, Doyle insisted Wolves have struck an early blow in their aim to finish mid-table by beating Blackburn.