Injection to clear up Ward's knee

Wolves' Stephen Ward is set for a speedy return from injury after a series of revolutionary injections by the doctor who helped treat England star Owen Hargreaves.

The Irish B international was at a London clinic yesterday for treatment on the knee injury that has plagued his early season efforts and now believes his injury nightmare is behind him.

Ward had orginally feared up to a month on the sidelines but thanks to the injections he could be back in training at the end of next week.

He remains a doubt for next weekend's Charlton game but should be back in time for the trip to Cardiff on October 24.

"Hopefully the worst of the injury is behind me now," he said.

"The guy who treated me is the best in the business - he worked with Owen Hargreaves last week and he's renowned for getting people back from the type of injury I've had.

"It all happened quite quickly really. We'd been discussing my options and I was told yesterday that there was an opening to go to London and get these injections. I was keen to get it done as soon as possible.

"I am hobbling a bit at the moment but it doesn't feel too bad."

The positive prognosis eases the pressure on boss Mick McCarthy to rush winger Matt Jarvis back after his hip injury.

Jarvis made a trouble-free return against Nuneaton this week and is in contention for a Wolves debut against Charlton.

But McCarthy has already warned that he may not be ready for the rigours of the packed Championship programme.

Wolves face four games in a fortnight after the Molineux clash with the Addicks and having Ward available will be a boost.

The player himself is keen to keep up his record as a Championship ever-present.

"If you're in the team you don't want to get injured because we have the kind of players who can come in and do a really good job," he said.