Melbourne Victory's Nick Ward is determined to win his way back into first team football after a frustrating calf injury. Ward showed his steely resolve on the weekend by playing two games in two days for the Victory against his old club Perth Glory. The 23-year old came off the bench for the final 20 minutes of the 4-0 A-League win and then backed up with 45 minutes in the National Youth League side's 2-0 loss. After missing the last six games, Ward was becoming increasingly frustrated with the injury, but is confident he can overcome it with more game time and additional fitness. Speaking to the Herald Sun, Ward said, "I thought it was never going to come. "There were some trying times with the calf because I kept breaking down, but I feel really good at the moment. "It was a little tough getting going from playing the night before, but it felt good." The fact that the Victory has an embarrassment of riches in their midfield stocks and are sitting pretty on the top of the A-League table will make things difficult for Ward and he knows he may have to bide his time to get back into the first team on a regular basis. "I'd like to put my hand up for the first team, but the reality is the boys are doing well and I'm sure I will have to do my time on the bench. "But you never know. I don't know what (coach Ernie Merrick is) thinking, but he's let me know I'm in his plans." Ward will play a full 90 minutes for the Melbourne Victory Youth side against Central Coast Mariners Youth at Bluetongue Stadium on Saturday at 3pm.
Ward does double in injury return
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