Ward out of Robins trip with injury

Stephen Ward has dealt Wolves an injury blow after cracking a bone in his shoulder.

The 23-year-old misses today's televised tea-time clash away to Bristol City and is a doubt for next Saturday's FA Cup fourth round tie against Middlesbrough - and the potentially pivotal trip to Reading three days later.

His place was expected to go to Bristol-born former Robins defender Matt Hill.

Irish utility man Ward, who has been such a success at left-back this season, missed training yesterday and underwent a scan.

He is believed to have suffered a hairline fracture of his shoulder in the opening exchanges of Tuesday's 2-0 FA Cup win over Birmingham.

As a result, Ward didn't travel down to the West Country yesterday afternoon with the rest of the squad.

"He landed on it after about three minutes," said boss Mick McCarthy.

"It settled down and he was quite happy with it."

Consistent

McCarthy had been hoping the former Bohemians man could shake off the injury and take part today after emerging as one of Wolves' most consistent players since surprisingly replacing George Elokobi in August.

But since the Molineux chief spoke at yesterday's press conference, Wolves' medical team expressed concerns over the injury and Ward was packed off for a scan where the damage was revealed.

Hill was set to make only his fifth start for the club, while Ward was missing his first League game since August 23.

Meanwhile Sylvan Ebanks-Blake's wonder goal in the 3-2 win at Charlton on March 29, 2008 has been nominated for the Mitre Goal of the Year.

Eighty one per cent of Wolves fans who voted chose the striker's goal with the Cruyuff-like turn.

Michael Kightly has also been nominated as one of five players of the FA Cup third round.

By Tim Nash