Left Right, Left Right

With the start of the new season barely a week away, Mick McCarthy has been dealt his first injury blow of the campaign.

A hip injury picked up in Ireland by new wing signing Matty Jarvis means he will miss the opening fixture against Watford at least, and potentially could be out for much longer.

Mick McCarthy is adamant he won't rush the player back early, preffering to take a long term view on Jarvis fitness and so now must turn to Stephen Ward for cover.

Ward is no stranger to the left wing role, having turmned out for Bohemians in just that position and was often used to replace Michael McIndoe as sub last season.

The irony there being that Ward will be given his latest chance due to McIndoe's apparent lack of stomach for a fight for places, preffering a move to Bristol City than to slug it out with new arrival Jarvis, whereas Wards patience has seen him drafted back into the starting line up once more.

Stephen Ward's pre season performances have hinted that he will be a more than capable replacement for Matt Jarvis on the wing.

Although there are those that will say that this is exactly the reason why Michael McIndoe should not have been allowed to leave the club this summer.

With Ward offerering many more options out wide than the at times coasting McIndoe, Mick McCarthy would once again seem to have made the right decision.

AS long as there are no further injuries in the run up to August 11.