Stephen Ward today declared himself delighted to be facing a spell of hard labour as his Wolves colleagues prepare for a fortnight's break between matches.

After tomorrow's game at Charlton, the club's senior players are without a game until they visit Bristol City on Saturday, April 12.

But the Irish forward, sidelined with knee problems since the victory at Scunthorpe in mid-January, is relishing the prospect of stepping up his work following his return to training yesterday.

"It was great to be back out on the pitch with the other lads - I was like a big kid being involved again," he said today.

"I assume the players might have some extra time off between the next two away games but I'm in here tomorrow and I'll be working hard over the next fortnight to try to speed up my rehabilitation.

"The reserve game next Wednesday (against Albion at Telford) is probably going to come round too soon for me, so I'm looking at the one the following week for a possible return."

Stephen has had six injections in his right knee in recent weeks and is relieved that the injury didn't prove even more serious, manager Mick McCarthy revealing today that a rupture was feared at one stage.

"Stephen's return to training yesterday was a bit of a microwave session - he tried to cram four weeks' work into three-quarters of an hour!" Mick said.

And the player added: "It took some time to get my lungs working again and to get to the pace of things because the only ball-work I had been doing was with the physios.

"But it was great to be out there again and the injury feels all right. It's a relief that I'm where I am now because if it had been a rupture, it could have meant nine to 12 months out.

"I have got no worries about this problem recurring. Although it has been a frustrating time, I can hopefully be challenging for a place again in the next few weeks.

"I've obviously been keeping a close eye on the team's progress and will be watching tomorrow's match at Michael Kightly's house - with a bit of luck he'll cook me some dinner as well!"