Ward ready to fire

Ward: Back on song

Sheffield United winger Jamie Ward insists he is nearing a return to the form which saw him destroy opposing defences at the start of the season.

The pacey wide-man, who was converted from a striker during the summer, exploded into life at the start of the campaign, but a hamstring injury suffered during the Steel City derby in September threatened to derail his season.

However, having returned to the side in early November he has helped the Blades return to within touching distance of the play-offs once again and he told skysports.com that he is almost back in top gear.

"Obviously, it was very frustrating to pick up the injury when I did because I had started the season well and had a lot of momentum.

"The injury stalled that a little, but now I'm back to that level of performance again and getting back on with it.

"I've had no problems with my hamstring at all since returning and the physios have done a tremendous job to get me back on the pitch as quickly as they did. It is all good now and I can fully concentrate on helping the side climb up the league table again."