STEPHEN Ward is delighted to be back in a matchday squad for Burnley, and hopes his versatility and experience can play a part in the Premier League run-in.

The Republic of Ireland international was an unused substitute at Stamford Bridge on Saturday as the Clarets secured a 1-1 draw against Premier League leaders Chelsea.

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That was Ward’s first involvement in a matchday 18 since fracturing his ankle in the home draw with Newcastle on December 2.

At that point he was starting his sixth game in a row at left-back in place of Ben Mee, while he also played in central midfield in the 2-2 draw at Leicester on October.

With Dean Marney out for the rest of the season following his cruciate knee ligament injury, that versatility could come in handy over the final 12 games of the campaign.

“I hope so,” said Ward. “For me I’m glad to be back and fit and I’m raring to go, so if I’m called on it’s another body that is probably needed.

“We’ve got a lot of experienced lads who’ve been involved in battles at the bottom of the Premier League so hopefully we can bring something to the table.

“It’s been a long couple of months but it’s good to be back in with the boys and it’s a nice game to come back into, it’s a great result for us.”

Ward said his recovery had gone smoothly and thanked the medical staff at Burnley for keeping his return on track, with the former Wolves man keen to play a part in what is set to be a battle against relegation that will go right down to the wire.

“I’ve done quite well getting back as quick as I have,” the 29-year-old said.

“The staff have been great, the physios especially, I had a really good programme and it was managed really well, so I’m delighted to be back. Hopefully I can have some part to play and be around for the rest of the season.

“The lads have been great, it shows on Saturday how well they’ve done to recover and come here and get a point is unbelievable.”

A point at Stamford Bridge, added to the one the Clarets secured at the Etihad Stadium in December, is a huge bonus for Sean Dyche’s side, and while Ward said home games will be crucial, this result also gives them confidence ahead of tricky away games at Liverpool and Southampton in March.

“As we showed on Saturday we can come away from home and pick up points,” he said. “We’ve got a lot of tough away games and this will give us great confidence.”