Ward extends Wolves' contract

Wolves today announced left-back Stephen Ward has signed a two-year extension to his contract to take him to 2013.

The versatile 25-year-old, who still has 13 months to run on his existing deal, has been rewarded for his form in his first season in the Premier League.

Ward played 22 games despite missing chunks of action at the start and end of the season with knee problems.

He now hopes those are solved after a second operation that kept him out of his senior international debut for the Republic of Ireland for tonight's friendly against Paraguay and Friday's clash with Algeria.

Ward is already vying for the left-back spot with George Elokobi, and the impending arrival of £2.5m Jelle van Damme will crank up the competition even further.

But he is delighted to have got a new deal.

He said: "I'm thrilled. To be honest, I was a little bit worried picking up an injury but I was pleased to play a part. To have signed a new deal when we've stayed in the Premier League is brilliant for me.

"I've grown to love the club, so I'm delighted to be here for another three years. The gaffer's been great to me here ever since I arrived."