Wat's the deal with emergency Ward?

Darren Ward`s return to Watford - on loan from Wolves - has bought a breath of fresh air to a Hornets backline that`s looked anything but assured so far this season.

Now with Ward`s emergency cover extended by another month is it time to start canvassing for the rock steady centre back to push for a more permanent deal at Vicarage Road?

The 27 year old blond bombshell is clearly out of favour with Mick McCarthy. Let`s face it if he can`t command a regular place in the shaky 'sieve' of a Wolves backline, that looked rubbish every time Watford attacked on Saturday, then his future certainly isn`t golden at Molineux.

And with McCarthy lambasting his 'Keystone Cop` defenders for having the 3rd worst 'goals against` record in the league, the decision to extend Wards loan spell at Watford is a clear statement of intent at putting the player in someone else`s shop window….

The Molineux chief has even moved into the loan market himself since the win over Watford - snapping up classy centre back Michael Mancienne on a 2 month deal from Chelsea - rather than recall Ward and mix things up in the Black Country.

Ward looks keen to stay at Watford. He told his Wolves teammates that his drive to training each morning is much more manageable and at present he is guaranteed first team footie under Aidy Boothroyd.

In fact, he has everything the Hornets gaffer likes in a defender - strong in the air, meaty in the challenge, comfortable on the ball and commanding at set pieces….

…except maybe 1 thing - a reasonable price tag that would appease the Watford board.

But then again unless the powers that be at Wolves will accept a Mars Bar and half a button for a Championship proven defender then we`d be out of the market for him anyway!

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.