The forward’s Nottingham Forest career appeared to be over when he was farmed out to Burton Albion at the start of the season.
When Burton Albion terminated Jamie Ward’s loan spell midway through this season, few expected the hard-working winger to force his way back into Nottingham Forest’s first-team plans.
After all, few divide opinion quite like the Northern Irish international despite the fact that he is an established Championship performer and proven at lower league level. Then again, a forward who has only hit double figures once in the second tier in over a decade is always going to have his detractors.
And although Ward, who hit the net just twice in 31 appearances in a disappointing debut season at the City Ground, didn’t add to his modest goal tally in Saturday’s stunning 3-0 thrashing of Brighton, the 30-year-old offered a timely reminder of his often overlooked qualities.
He is not the most technical players but his work ethic sets the tone for the rest of the team. Constantly hassling and harrying the Brighton defenders, Ward defended from the front with commendable spirit and determination.
It was the sort of infectious display that meant even an array of wild and wasted attempts on goal can be forgiven.
The former Ram still has work to do to win over the supporters of the fans who once wished defeat upon him on a weekly basis but more heart-on-the-sleeve performances like this will go a long way.
He’s played eight times since Gary Brazil took interim charge – as long as the 54-year-old remains at the helm, Ward will be one of the first names on the team-sheet.
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