The Republic of Ireland U-20s captain did well in the reserves at Wolverhampton Wanderers but failed to make his first-team debut.

Ward was released at the end of the 2002/03 season as a result but caught Ian Britton's eye in a trial with Harriers and signed for a year.

The Dublin-born player, who has also figured for his country's U-21s, is a promising midfield player with a good engine, an impressive range of passes and the ability to break forward.

Ward will be hoping to force his way into the Harriers team to become a regular in 2003/04.

This season: 21 games, 4 substitute appearances, 1 yellow card.

Status: First-choice midfield. Out of contract in the summer.

Average Shuttle rating: 6.1 (2 star man awards)