Pompey star undergoes surgery

The in-demand Pompey star went under the knife in London earlier this week.

Ward had been playing with the problem throughout his team’s fight to stay in the Championship.

The home-grown talent’s surgery at the Roding Hospital in Redbridge went smoothly and is not expected to prevent him from leaving Fratton Park.

The likes of Ipswich are keen to bring in the 22-year-old, who is one of the most bankable assets the Blues possess.

Ward spoke earlier this week of his pain at seeing Pompey struggle and admitted his future is out of his hands.

Ipswich boss Paul Jewell has made no secret of the fact he wants to bring in the man who has made 96 appearances for Pompey.

He has indicated he still is keen to secure the services of the player this summer, although there has been no progress on that front in recent days.

Pompey physio Steve Allen explained the plan was always for Ward to have the operation as soon as the season finished.

Allen said: ‘Joel had a right-sided hernia operation done successfully in London on Monday.

‘Dr Steven Snooks was the consultant who carried out the surgery.

‘He is someone I have used since my days at West Ham and I know he is very good.

‘The operation went very well and we are pleased.

‘Joel has been recuperating since he had the operation.

‘He had the problem two or three months before the end of the season.

‘We have been able to manage it and it has not affected him at all.

‘But with the season finished it made sense to get it done straightaway.

‘We are very happy with how it went.’