AIDY Boothroyd has again moved to strengthen his injury-hit squad today (Tuesday) by re-signing defender Darren Ward, as he returns to the club where he started as a youngster.

The centre half is currently at Championship rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers and has only one substitute league appearance to his name so far this campaign.

Ward, 30, returns to Vicarage Road more than 11 years after making his debut as a rookie defender for the Golden Boys, having now signed for the 'Orns on loan for one month.

Ironically, he was propelled into first-team action at Vicarage Road by injuries and suspension affecting senior centre backs.

He came through a tight relegation scrap at Luton in January 1997 with composure and a clean sheet.

Ward has now come full circle as he returns to assist the Hornets in their current injury crisis under Boothroyd's stewardship.

Ward in action for the Hornets

Ward played over 60 times for the Hornets, including some Premiership fixtures, before a permanent move to Millwall, after a spell on loan at London rivals QPR.

He was a member of the Millwall team who reached the 2004 FA Cup final against Manchester United and he appeared for the Lions in Europe the following season.

Ward then moved to another capital side, Crystal Palace, where he spent two seasons with the south Londoners before joining the Midlands based outfit in the summer of 2007.

The ex-Hornet played in the Championship play-off semi-final first leg against Watford in May 2006, turning out for the Eagles as they were well beaten by Boothroyd's deadly Watford side at Selhurst side.

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