Stephen Ward is close to returning to training with Wolves after a serious knee injury. The 24 year old has been out of action since September after being forced to undergo surgery on his knee problem.

"Stephen will be training after the international break and it will be great to have him back," said boss Mick McCarthy.

"Like everyone when they get injured, he doesn't like it and players get frustrated with themselves and they can never heal quick enough. But he is one of those people who does it all religiously and properly."