Stephen Ward revels in Ireland breakthrough after Wolves survival

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Wolves utility player Stephen Ward has admitted his delight after capping off the team’s Premier League survival with his first international caps for the Republic of Ireland.

Ward, who can play anywhere on the left flank or up front, was a regular in Mick McCarthy’s side as they pulled off a last day miracle, and was subsequently called up to the national side for the first time.

“It was great just to get into the squad and then make my full international debut,” he told the club’s official website.

“But to play in three of the last four games, to score on my debut in front of my family and friends, then to be on the winning side and not concede a goal in each of them, was just the icing on the cake.”

Ward opened his account for Ireland in a 5-0 win over neighbours Northern Ireland, but says the highlight was being a part of the extraordinary 2-0 victory over Italy in Liege on Tuesday.

“It topped things off,” he enthused.

“There is quite a big Italian contingent in Liege where the game was played and so there was a good atmosphere with over 20,000 in the ground.

Ward, who made the move to Molineux from Bohemians in 2007, pointed to the strong contingent of Wolves players in the Ireland side as a benefit for manager Giovanni Trapattoni.

“I played at left-back in all three games and having Hunty Stephen Hunt in front of me on the left was great because we have such a good understanding from playing in the positions at club level.

“I saw him start his run in the lead up to the second goal so I knew just where to put the ball and he did brilliantly to set it up for Simon Cox,” he said.

Now that the season is over for club and country, Ward is looking forward to a well-earned holiday.

“It has been a long, hard season but the extra two weeks that I’ve had have been fantastic.

“But now I’m looking forward to a break in the sun with the family. Having been on the road I haven’t seen too much of them so it’ll be nice to get away after having such a good time with Ireland and knowing that we are in the Premier League again next season.”

Ireland currently sit at the top of Group B in the race for Euro 2012 qualfication, although they are level on points with rivals Russia and Slovakia.