Stephen Ward today admitted it was great to get back on the goalscoring trail at Hereford but knows there's a logjam of strikers battling it out to lead the Wolves line.

Stephen, used almost exclusively as a left winger last season before succumbing to injury, notched a clinical second half brace in last night's friendly after being played up front alongside Sylvan Ebanks-Blake.

It was a throwback to Stephen's early days at Molineux when, partnering Andy Keogh, he scored three goals in his first four starts after joining from Bohemians.

But the 22-year-old is certainly not getting carried away, not least given the considerable striking options at Mick McCarthy's disposal.

"I hadn't played up front for a while so it was good, I enjoyed it," he reflected.

"Playing with Sylvan Ebanks-Blake makes it easier for you really.

"It was different when I was playing on the wing because I was probably concentrating a bit more on getting crosses in and neglecting the other side of it such as getting in the box.

"It's always good to hit the back of the net but I'll play in whatever position the gaffer wants me to.

"As I've said all along, I'm just happy to be in contention and can only do my best.

"There are plenty of good strikers here so we'll have to wait and see what happens.

"It's a massive squad, there are a lot of good players and we've also got new signings and everyone wants to be in the starting XI.

"If people don't do it, then we've got other players who can come in and do a job, which will hopefully stand us in good stead for the season to come."

Mick has paid tribute to Stephen's courage in playing for much of last season with a knee injury, which was causing problems as far back as Wolves' pre-season tour.

The Irishman admits he's now a lot less restricted in his movement, as illustrated perfectly by his swivel and shot for last night's opening goal.

"My knee feels great and I feel good in training," he says.

"I have to keep the maintenance work up and let's hope the injury doesn't come back.

"It's just one of those things, every player wants to play and there are only a few things that will stop you from playing.

"I just wanted to keep going until I was told 'you're not playing' and I was like a bad schoolkid being told what to do.

"At the time, it was right of me to stop, but earlier on in the season playing was all I wanted to do.

"I think most footballers would do the same - you play through any pain just to be out there.

"It was just one of those things that happened and it was just unfortunate it got worse and it forced me to stop.

"It used to hurt me after training and there would be mornings where I was sore.

"But I'm fine now and with a bit of maintenance and the work I've been doing with the physio Steve Kemp, my knee feels strong."

And above and beyond his return to the goalscoring scene, Stephen was just happy that Wolves registered their first win of pre-season at the second attempt.

"The most important thing about last night was that we got the win," he added.

"I know it's only pre-season but winning is a habit and we won well last night."