'I could have packed in playing football' - Ward

Derby County wing-back Joe Ward has said he considered retiring from football because of a recurring knee injury - but is now enjoying a run in the team.

The 30-year-old missed most of last season after requiring knee surgery for the second time in two years.

But Ward has now started the past five games for the Rams, providing four assists and scoring one goal in the 2-1 win at Swansea on Tuesday night.

"It's been so tough," he told BBC Radio Derby after victory in Wales lifted Derby up to seventh in the Championship and level on points with Bristol City in the play-off places.

"There have been points where I've really been struggling with my knee and at times I've thought I could pack this in.

"But I kept going and doing everything behind the scenes, working hard and being as professional as I can and now it's starting to pay off and I'm really happy.

"It's been a long journey. I've worked so hard and I'm still working hard. I'm feeling great.

"We're playing great and as long as I can keep helping the team with goals and assists, I'm really happy and hopefully we can push on."

Ward said "there is no ceiling" for this Derby side in their quest to win promotion to the Premier League for the first time since 2006-07 after a run of six wins in their past seven games.

"We're just going to keep pushing and see where we go," he added.